Teacher Tip
The Learning Together stage is an ideal time for the General Educator and Special Educator to assess individual students’ needs and differentiate instruction as needed. If Learning Together stage is followed by an individual activity, teachers can determine which students are able to work individually and which students would benefit from small group instruction.
-
Web 2.0 Teacher Tool
Click on the link below to access Glogster - the virtual poster maker and so much more!
Learning Together
The Learning Together stage applies student learning in a team setting. This stage in the cycle of instruction employs peer-assisted learning strategies using High Performance Teaming Principles to foster team interaction. In preparation for this step, teachers structure team learning activities and foster positive interdependence by assigning specific roles and responsibilities to team members. During instruction, teachers may form small groups for specific needs (e.g.: preteaching, reteaching, enrichment, interest groups, special projects, make-up work, or assessment). General and special educators also circulate to informally monitor and assess team and individual performance.
Team activities lead students to a deeper understanding of the Challenge Question. During this step, students
review academic goals, execute team roles and responsibilities to work cooperatively, and use group processing skills to evaluate academic and team performance.
When students are taught to follow specific group work protocols, teachers can expect them to help each other stay focused on completing tasks and reaching learning targets. The Learning Together Protocol provides a checklist for student teams to use during team activities to help them remain focused, on task, and engaged in learning.
*Click on the Resources tab to view and utilize the Learning Together Protocol.
