Detailed 4 heads together
Assignment: give the students a case study, the problem to solve, etc. This should not be a simple yes, no type of answer. Require some steps from the students to the question.
BEFORE reading about the strategy understand this is a detailed step by step outline. An instructor can choose to do only part of this, skip some steps, etc. BUT THIS IS A great change of state.
Step 1: Announce to the class you have a case study/problem to be resolved/etc. That you will divide them intp groups to solve the issue. Let them know how much time you plan on giving them (this is left up to the instructor) and make sure to tell them that ONE person in the group will need to be able to explain what was decided. You will announce that person later. So, EVERYONE needs to be involved.
Step 2: Divide into groups of 3 or 4. Note: if you create groups where everyone is sitting together then they are more likely to be comfortable with the students they will be working with. They've either chosen to sit by these students or over time have gotten used to sitting by them. So consider whether you want that comfort or whether you want them to have to adapt and work with others they may not know as well. There are advantages to both strategies. BUT TELL THEM NOT TO MOVE YET. – You will give them the direction for this activity AND then announce when they should move.
Step 3: Give the directions: The following is only an example of what you might say:
I will read you the challenge (question, etc.) or post it on the board.
You may choose to provide them with a large sheet of paper, computer, iPad, whatever you want to use. Tell them they need to discuss their response and write down their answer.
Make sure everyone in the group is involved and agree - remind them someone from their group may be required to share their answer.
When they are done, they are to return to their chairs or move their chairs back to normal position (or maybe you have them stand up while working and when done sit down) but not until their done. This shows you when students are done.
Tell them how much time they will have and when you will give them a warning that their time is almost up. How much time you’re giving them. Keep in mind to much time students will not stay on task. The time is left up to the difficulty of the challenge or question.
Step 4: Ask for any questions. Give wait time. You might consider the call back where you have students repeat the information as you guide them back through the directions.
Step 6: Announce - move quietly and quickly to your group. When you arrive, introduce yourself.
Step 7: Present the challenge or question in the way described in your directions. Again, any questions about the challenge or question?
Step 8: Tell them they may begin. While students are working walk around the room and listen to their conversations. You may or may not choose to help them when they ask.
Step 9: When time is about up, give your warning. Or if every group is sitting stop the activity. NOTE: If you have a group holing up the class – stop them and ask them to identify what they feel is their problem, what they don’t understand and write that down. Then ask them to sit and remove them from calling on to answer for now.
Step 9: Random select a group in whatever method of random you want. Choose an app, dice, etc. to choose a group. Then follow that up with an arbirtary process of selecting a student.
Step 10: Before that person speaks, tell the class that they need to listen closely – you will be asking them periodically if they agree or disagree and you may ask them to explain.
Step 11: Let the student start answering. If needed they could call on a teammate for clarification. But use the no opt-out strategey then come back and have them repeat in their own words what their teammate shared.
Step 12: You might consider after part of the answer is given by the student check with the class if they agree. Call on a random group/person to share their thoughts at that moment. Again, sharing why. If the class agrees to that point - consider randomly choosing another group and student to pick up. The number of times you do this is up to you.
TIPS
If you get a situation where there might be a disagreement between presenter and class. Take a moment and let them talk to those around them to see if they can come up with the answer. Don’t do the work for them not until you have to as an instructor.
When you have the completed answer – check to make sure everyone agrees – what thoughts they might have – any follow-up questions they want to ask – then if you need to correct anything that was wrong by giving the right answer but ask students why your answer was correct before you give the reason.