The workshop approach is used across contents at SeDoMoCha. It is made up of four parts:
Mini Lesson- The teacher explicitly teaches a skill or strategy to the whole group of students. They may model or demonstrate how it is used and then ask for students to join in. To keep students actively engaged and to ensure understanding, teacher include guided practice where they work together.
Small Groups- Small groups are typically lead by the teacher. They could be focused on the skill that was taught during the mini lesson or a different small group goal. The purpose is for students to receive tailored instruction that allows them to work through a productive struggle while the teacher guides them.
Independent Practice- This is the time that students take all they have learned from the teacher, their small group, work and collaboratively with others, and apply it to what they can do independently. The work during this time shows teachers the students level of understanding and allows them to plan for further instruction.
Share Time- Students share their independent work with on another and praise or ask questions. The teacher uses this time to review the purpose of the workshop and gauge students understanding even more.