Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Continuing Observations
Just like anything we do in class, we need practice. Literature circles have been going great so far as a whole. I notice as we continue through our first book some students grasp the concept and excel with it while other students are far behind doing the bare minimum. I anticipated this with the first book. The one factor I noticed that motivates students the most is the pressure from their peers to complete their reading and jobs. If a group member comes to the grand conversation unprepared, the entire group suffers. There is one less person who can participate in the discussion and one less job completed. This has caused even my unmotivated students to participate.
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3 comments:
I also find that peer pressure is useful in getting reluctant students to participate in my literature circle groups. And it really is a much better experience for all when everyone contributes.
I think that it is great to have jobs. It keeps each of the kids accountable to get their job done. It is really motivating for those students that don't motivate themselves. Hopefully as they mature they will be able to motivate themselves. It is a much better conversation if all members contribute.
Peers rule! As soon as a child lets go of their parent's hand and walks into their kindergarten classroom, it begins.
Collaborative learning is peer pressure used for good. Literature circles are NOT group work ( which is work which usually ends up being done by one person and where academic and social equity is less likely to occur).
Literature circles can be scary because teachers have to let loose of their authority.
Keep it up. Your students will benefit for sure.
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