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Classroom management and partnerships

Managing pupil groupings

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Learning outcomes

You will:

understand the benefits of collaborative learning for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities

be familiar with research on peer tutoring and grouping strategies

have an understanding of collaborative learning

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Learning outcomes (continued …)

You will:

know how to make appropriate pupil groupings for a teaching sequence, and

understand ways of teaching pupils how to work in groups.

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Activity 1

Learning outcomes

You will:

understand the benefits of collaborative learning for pupils with SEN and/or disabilities, and

gain experience of one type of collaborative learning strategy (‘think-pair-share’).

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Activity 2

Learning outcomes

You will:

be familiar with research on grouping strategies

gain experience of peer tutoring, and

make appropriate pupil groupings for a lesson or series of lessons.

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Principles of grouping

Group pupils flexibly on the basis of what you want them to learn

When teaching a group directly, group together pupils who need to work on similar learning objectives

When pupils work on a collaborative task independently of the teacher, use mixed-ability groups

When pupils are working independently but individually, plan seating arrangements that provide pupils with good role models and peer support

Plan for social as well as academic learning.

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Activity 3

Learning outcomes

You will:

learn that pupils need to be taught how to work effectively together in groups

experience jigsaw groupings, and

become familiar with ways of teaching group work skills.

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Activity 4

Learning outcome

You will become familiar with evidence on the benefits of peer tutoring as a strategy for supporting pupils experiencing difficulties with their learning.

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Benefits of peer support

Readily available and costs nothing

Benefits the ‘tutor’ as well as the ‘tutee’

Can involve older pupils working with younger ones

Can also involve pupils within one class or year group.

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How does it help?

Peer tutoring is thought to:

enhance self esteem, and

provide opportunities for consolidating the tutor’s own learning.

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Activity 5

Learning outcome

You will identify ways of helping pupils to work independently.

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Activity 6

Learning outcomes

You will:

reflect on key learning points from the session, and

identify the next steps in your own learning.

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Key learning points

Group pupils flexibly on the basis of what you want them to learn

Help pupils learn the skills needed for effective group work

Use peer tutoring

Help pupils work independently.