Cooperative+Learning+Groups

== = My Philosphy of Cooperative Learning =

In addition to individual learning, you will be placed into groups of four students in order to participate in cooperative learning groups. Cooperative learning is more than just allowing you to work in a small group. Cooperative learning will allow you to work with other students in small groups in order to obain deeper level of understanding of the material being presented. You will struggle through the material as a group, and through discussions and collaboration, experience true learning. In addition to strengthening your mathematical skills, cooperative learning can improve your social and communication skills.

= Cooperative Learning Group Roles =

For each cooperative learnng group tasks, roles will be assigned. The roles are:
 * ** Group Facilitator **
 * Materials Manager
 * ** Recorder **
 * ** Speaker **

**Group Facilitator**- Leader of the group and keeps group on task.

**Materials Manager**- Responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and returning any materials used by the group.

**Recorder**- Records the work of the group, including group conclusions and group results.

**Speaker**- Reports the group's work to the class.

= Cooperative Learning Expectations =


 * Noise level must stay at level 2 or below.
 * You are expected to participate in each task assigned to the group.
 * You will be assigned a role within the group, and will be expected to fulfill that role.
 * You will be respectful to your group members and value their thoughts and opinions.
 * Each group is expected to stay on task and keep all discussions relevant to the task at hand.

= Cooperative Learning Classroom Policies =

** Conversation: **
>> >>
 * Can students engage in conversation with each other during this activity?
 * ** Yes **
 * If yes, with whom?
 * ** Students can talk with their assigned group members. **
 * About what?
 * ** Students can discuss their current task. **
 * How long?
 * ** Students can talk until the task is finished or until the attention signal is given. **

** Help: **

 * How do students get questions answered? How will students gets the teachers attention?
 * ** Students should first ask fellow group members their question. If their question is not answered within the group, they should then raise their hand. **


 * If the students has to wait for help, what should they do while they wait?
 * ** Continue to work on the task with their group. **

** Activity: **
 * What is the expected result of this activity?
 * **Expected results will be explained in the directions of each individual task assigned**.

** Movement: ** >
 * Can students get out of their seats during the activity?
 * ** Yes **
 * For what reasons?
 * ** Students may go to the restroom with permission. **

** Participation: **
= =
 * What behaviors show that students are participating in the group activity?
 * ** Students are only talking to members of their group. **
 * ** Students are focused and working together. **
 * ** Students are looking at their work and the work of the group members. **

= Transition Procedures During Cooperative Learning Groups =

** Transition: **

 * You will move your desk from lecture format to cooperative learning format (or vice versa).

** Time: **

 * This transition should take NO MORE THAN one minute to complete.

** Behavior that indicates student is participating: **

 * You are moving your desk.

** Behavior that indicates student is not participating: **

 * You are not moving your desk, moving your desk to the wrong position, or continuing to talk when the signal is given.

= Cooperative Learning Groups Seating Chart =

Below is the seating chart for how the classroom will be arranged for cooperative learning groups.




 * //Classroom setup was produced using Classroom Architect*//

= = = Cooperative Learning Grading System =

Grades for cooperative learning tasks will be comprised of three parts:
 * Group Evaluation 50%
 * Individual Evaluation 30%
 * Peer Evaluation 20%

__**Group Evaluation**__: The group's final product from the activity will be evaluated by a rubric that will be provided with each task.

__**Individual Evaluation**__: Each individual within the group will be given a grade based on their individual portion of the groups activity. Each group members notebook, research, and conclusions will be evaluated.

__**Peer Evaluation**__: After each tasks, each group member will evaluate his or her fellow group members based their participation and contributions made to the group.

__**BONUS POINTS**__: Five bonus points will be awarded to each individual group member if the average individual grade on the unit is at least 80%.

//** *Rules and consequences during cooperative learning groups follow the same guidelines discussed on the Rules and Consequences Page.* **//

 * //Transitions Procedures Worksheet and Cooperative Learning Classroom Policies have been adapted from __Discipline in the Secondary Classroom, 2nd Edition__ with permission from Dr. Randall Sprick, PhD.*//