Groupwork--Accountable Talk in the Classroom - EDU-X794O
Course Description
Learn How Collaborative Student Assignments Can Become Measurable and Meaningful Learning
Teachers often assign students to work in groups. Careful structuring of the lesson includes intentionality so that group work ensures rigorous and accessible learning. Group work can be energizing to all or dominated by a few. It can involve deeper thought with logical connections and reasonable conclusions or surface discussions. Successful group work involves building an environment where students are accountable to the learning community, standards of reason, and knowledge. It requires pre-planning as well as skilled interactions between students and teacher. This course will give teachers the skills to ensure group work is meaningful.
Learner Outcomes
- Discuss approaches to groupwork that are based on research and learning theories
- Design/revise group worthy tasks based upon sound learning principles that promote creative and critical thinking in an equitable environment
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the teacher in guiding, extending, and building on student thinking in groups
- Analyze the effectiveness of a group task based on student engagement, collaborative interactions, and critical thinking in relation to the learning goals of the lesson
- Develop an assessment plan that takes into account individual as well as collaborative learning, process as well as product
Course Details
Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for K-12 classroom teachers who want to deepen their knowledge and understanding of how group work can provide meaningful learning. Both new and experienced teachers wanting to improve their craft will benefit from this course.
Course Materials: Text, Designing Groupwork: Strategies for the Heterogeneous Classroom, by Elizabeth Cohen and Rachel Lotan, available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.
Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series
- Beginning Teachers Series : Courses - Enroll in One or More
- Professional Teachers Program Series : Courses - Enroll in One or More
Online Self-Paced courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. You will use course textbooks, manuals, assignments and exams to learn and earn credit. Depending on the course, you may also use streaming audio and video, CD-ROM, and download embedded materials through the Internet. Communication with your instructor will take place through your course site online. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams. You can register at any time and you will have six months from the time of registration to complete your course.