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A Word to the Teacher
Multiple perspectives and problem-solving methods
Increased cognitive disequilibrium to stimulate learning
More frequent give-and-take of explanations
Enhanced quality of reasoning and discussion
Increased long-term retention
Heterogeneous groups are often randomly assigned but can be teacher
organized to maximize specific effects to accommodate isolated students, at-risk
learners, disruptive behaviors, etc.
Keeping lab groups together—
Over the course of a semester, students should have the opportunity to work with
different classmates within a lab group.
Groups should remain stable long enough to at least complete the specific lab
tasks and recognize success.
Students can be told that grouping assignments will change and that they will
ultimately have the opportunity to work with everyone, or nearly e
veryone, in the
class.
Strategies for Organizing Information
Learning is more powerful when students routinely take information presented in
one format and represent it in an alternative way. Learning and retention can be
improved by integrating information from both the verbal and the visual-spatial forms
of representing and organizing information.
Concept Mapping
A concept map visually displays information by using main ideas and labeled lines.
The concept map identifies relationships between important ideas and concepts,
and it demonstrates a deeper, conceptual student understanding. Many students
find it easier to make sense of information when it is presented in a visual format.
The concept map can help students organize information by compressing, focusing,
identifying connections, and supporting interpretation.
Select a unit of work for concept mapping.
Identify the major/minor concepts. Each concept may be put onto a separate
piece of paper in order to rearrange them.
Rank the concepts from most general to most specific.
Arrange the most general concept at the top.
Link this concept to the most specific concepts using straight lines.
Label all lines with linking words that explain the relationship. Maps usually, but
not always, read from top to bottom.
