Oct
02

Jigsaw Learning

Filed Under (Differentiated Instruction) by sfitzell on 02-10-2009

I recently suggested that a colleague use a Jigsaw approach to cover reading material with his college students. After hearing about how successful the strategy was for him, I realized that the Jigsaw is one of those easy and effective teaching strategies that is also vastly under utilized.

While I do talk about Read the rest of this entry »

Oct
24

Singing the Guidelines for Flexible Grouping

Filed Under (Differentiated Instruction) by sfitzell on 24-10-2008

Woodington Middle School Workshop on Flexible Grouping and Acceleration Centers (™)

Recently, I presented a ‘workshoppy workshop” on Flexible Grouping and Accleration Centers (™)at Woodington Middle School in Kinston, NC. To teach the concept of small groups, the teachers actually get into small groups and learn the material (similar to a jigsaw) well enough to present their section to the rest of the group. After we’ve discussed the basics of flexible grouping and created ground rules, each small group takes a section of the material and creates a mind-map denoting the key points and a creative, non-lecture way to present the information to the group. The eighth grade teachers created and performed a song to the tune of Singing in the Rain to teach and remember successful tips for flexible grouping. They were Read the rest of this entry »