Organizing groups based on ability should be done

Organizing groups based on ability should be done sparingly. A variety of activities to produce nonlinguistic representations should be used. : Creating graphic representations -Making physical models -Generating mental pictures -Drawing pictures and pictographs n -Engaging in kinesthetic activities -Students of low ability perform worse when they are placed in homogeneous groups. - Students of high ability perform only marginally better when homogeneously grouped. -Middle ability students benefit most. If students do not have sufficient time to practice skills independently, cooperative learning is being overused. Cooperative Learning Groups Explicit guidance enhances students’ understanding of and ability to use knowledge. Identifying Similarities and Differences Asking students to independently identify similarities and differences enhances students’ understanding of and ability to use knowledge Design homework assignments that clearly articulate the purpose and outcome - 3 or 4 members -Be applied consistently and systematically, but not overused. - Tasks should be well structured If assigned, it should be commented on. Nonlinguistics Representatio n/Graphic Organizers Marzano’s Six Instructional Strategies Can Be: -Study guides -Teacher Notes -Outlines Advance Organizers Should focus on what is important as opposed to what is unusual Advance organizers are most useful with information that is not well organized Homework And Practice Purpose of homework should be identified and articulated. Should elaborate on the pre-existing knowledge or the newly introduced knowledge Establish and communicate a homework policy Vary the approaches to providing feedback on homework assignments Cues And Questions “Higher level” questions produce deeper learning Should focus on what is important as opposed to what is unusual Waiting” briefly before accepting responses has the effect of increasing the depth of students’ answers. Questions are effective learning tools even when asked before a learning experience