Provide hands-on activities for practice and mastery. Check for understanding of concepts and skills by using relevant standard materials, i.e. worksheets, text problems, workbooks, teacher prepared exercises, etc.
"What's There? What's Missing?"
Objective: The student will evaluate given group situations for the use of both correct and incorrect group skills; the student will create an original description of a group showing both the use of correct and incorrect group skills.
Activity: "What's There? What's Missing?" Students complete the following activity sheet, evaluating each situation showing group work. Once finished, students then discuss their choices and together write additional descriptions. These are then presented to the class which evaluates the given situations.
"What's There? What' Missing?" Activity Sheet
In each of the following descriptions of group work, you will find some strengths and some weaknesses in how they do their tasks. In your group, discuss each and note 'what's there,' and 'what's missing.'
1. Ted, Nikki, and Sam are doing a worksheet together. They have only one copy. Ted is reading the problems, Nikki is writing answers, and Sam is preparing to tell the class their answers. As they work, Nikki keeps looking over Ted's shoulder, reading the problems before he does.
What's there?:
What's missing?:
2. Sandi, Nicole, and Jon have been assigned to the same group. They have gathered their things together and moved into a circle. Sandi and Nicole have covered their mouths and told secrets three times since the groups were announced. Ted sits ready to work.
What's there?:
What's missing?:
3. Steve, Jake, and Sam have been working on a group project for a class hour. They've all taken part in the project--both in assuming roles and in participating equally. The only problem they've had is in seeing each other. They are sitting in a row so only Jake can see both partners.
What's there?:
What's missing?:
4. Jaime, Zak, and Jason have fought all day. Jaime keeps blurting out the answers before Zak and Jason have had a chance to think. Zak and Jason have asked her to stop but she hasn't. Jaime says she is tired of doing all the work. Zak and Jason have told her to slow down and they'll help.
What's there?:
What's missing?:
5. Lisa's group is so proud of her! She's raised her spelling test scores and everyone gets an extra minute of break time. Bob and William have both praised her. Everyone feels great!
What's there?:
What's missing?:
Assessment: The accuracy and completeness of student evaluations on the activity and the creation of a like problem form the basis of evaluation for this activity.
