| Tina Walker LIST 5325 � Dr. Hirtle Oct. 13, 2005 Session 7 � Book Club Discussion What do you see that might be engaging to many different students? Whole group instruction would be engaging to many different students. Material could be provided to students at the same time and students could share with each other. This is an excellent format for read alouds, readers� theater, and group writing projects. Students who catch on quickly are able to get the information and then break away to work on their own. Flexible grouping would be engaging to many different students. Since these groups are not static, students get the benefit of learning from each other on different levels. They get to receive instruction that�s needed with peers on their same level and are also able to work with others in other groups as well. Cooperative learning groups would be engaging to many different students. Students get to work and learn from one another just as they would in flexible grouping. Each student usually has a �job� on the projects and all are held accountable for completing tasks. Needs grouping are beneficial to many students because each student will receive explicit instruction as they need it. Minilessons are provided to these students without holding up students who have already acquired understanding of the material. Literature circle would be engaging to many different students since students work together on reading material. As with the other methods, students have the opportunity to share and learn with each other. What do you see that might meet more than one learning modality? Whole group instruction can meet the needs of more than one learning modality. Since teachers can incorporate several types of activities in a whole group setting, many students could benefit. Students have the opportunity to learn from each other through sharing of ideas, projects, and conversations. Flexible grouping would also meet the needs of more than one learning modality for the same reason mentioned above. What do you see that might support hinder students with special needs? Although whole group instruction can be a big support for all students, it could also be a hindrance for special needs students. Special needs students usually require modifications to instruction and whole group aren�t set up for medications. This could cause special needs students to get further behind because they may not understand the concepts being taught. Flexible grouping would support the needs of special needs students in that they would be learning along with their peers without getting overwhelmed by more advanced material. What do you see that might support/hinder English Language Learners? Whole group instruction can also be a hindrance for ELL students. If ELLs are lacking in oral language development and verbal skills, then they could easily be left behind in this grouping situation. However, a positive aspect of this type of grouping is that it allows for the ELL students to be immersed in conversation and they get the full effect of English dialogue. Ability grouping and flexible grouping could support ELLs because they will be with peers on their same level and not feel intimidated. However, it could also be a hindrance since all of the students are on the same level, students may not be able to learn much from their peers and if left in this type of grouping, it could have a negative effect on students� confidence and they may not put forth much effort. What do you see that might be bias in the language used in the assignments discussed in the chapter? I did not see any bias in this material. What do you wonder about with respect to equity (in regard to what you�ve read in the chapters? I don�t really have any questions regarding equity with this material. All of the information could be used in classrooms to meet the needs of all students if incorporated with the needs of the students in mind. The goal of all classrooms should be on incorporating a learner-centered environment and these groupings would support the students� needs when managed appropriately. |