"Do I have to work with that group?" he responded.
I said, "I thought about it, and I'm going to give some more choices when you get to class."
Upon arrival, I said to the students, "You know I'm passionate about learning design. I design the learning for you, and I want the learning to have the following attributes most of the time." Then I listed the attributes:
- Standards-based (I explained this.)
- Engaging (irresistible)
- Just-Right Challenge (not too easy, not too hard)
- 5 C's: character, citizenship, communication, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and teamwork (note: as I listed, I listed from memory so I wasn't as exact as this)
Then I added, "I noticed yesterday and during the cardboard challenge that some students had challenges when it came to choice and voice. They didn't know what to choose or how to express their needs. So if you had trouble with your group yesterday, see me and perhaps we'll make a change. If you didn't have a challenge and you're ready to get started, go to your work places."
Then they all scurried to their work places. I said to the boy, "Do you still want to change groups?"
He responded, "No, we're all set." Then I reviewed their plan with them, and they were off making their measurement movie.
He responded, "No, we're all set." Then I reviewed their plan with them, and they were off making their measurement movie.
Sometimes just sharing the rationale leads students to success.
Was the lesson perfect? No, there's still more coaching needed for some when it comes to stamina, choosing, and working as a team, but that's true of all teams, young and old. Another day of lessons learned in the classroom. 