NEWSLETTER
As the year progresses, I still add attributes to Grouper based on the performance of students and learning needs.
Attributes based on standards
After evaluating the writing of the students using a rubric, I take notes on which students fight with specific skills. For example, if a student has difficulties to use evidence of a text to support a claim, I add that attribute. When the time comes for peer feedback, I can group students so that each group includes a combination of strengths and weaknesses. This ensures that students learn from each other in a structured way.
Specific and project -based time grouping
Every time I assign student projects, I always include an element of choice. Students can select between different types of projects, such as creating a podcast, writing an article, making a video or designing an infographic.
Depending on my instruction goals, I could group students according to:
- Similar interests, where all students who create a podcast are grouped so they can share notes and best practices.
- Various perspectives, where each group contains students who work in different formats, promoting inspiration between media.
Grouper's flexibility allows me to adapt the grouping strategies to adapt to the learning environment that I want to create.
Group based on opinion for discussions
For almost all reading tasks, I ask an essential question that requires students to take a position on a subject. Before assigning discussion groups, entering the students' responses in Grouper and I create groups that intentionally mix different perspectives.
This has been especially effective in seminars and socratic debates, where students are naturally inclined to participate when they find points of view that their own challenge.
Grouper reward any investment time
While this level of group took to develop, Grouper facilitates the process. I did not start with all the attributes instead. At the beginning of the year, I used simple random groups. Over time, I refined my approach by adding data from students of observations, informal evaluations and evaluations.
Even if you only invest five minutes by entering attributes, you will still see improvements. Whether it is new in students' grouping strategies or looking to adjust your approach, Grouper saves time and can transform your class.
Authentic conversations happen by design
Students are the most valuable resource in any classroom. Each brings unique experiences, talents and perspectives. However, many traditional structures in the classroom prevent students from talking authentically.
Grouper provides a simple but powerful way to eliminate barriers for commitment. When students feel comfortable in their learning environment, they contribute more freely, they participate in deeper discussions and develop stronger communication skills.
How many times in life has been changed by a casual encounter with someone outside their usual social circle? Now we have the opportunity to create those significant interactions every day in our classrooms, intentionally.
By using the strategic group, we not only expect students' participation, design for it.
