Highcroft Herald
December 21, 2015
Quote of the Week
Key 3: Management - Part 1
As Kagan and Kagan explained, research has shown that a cooperative learning approach to teaching results in a decline in classroom management concerns. This is due to a better alignment with the students' natural desire to be active and socialize. Cooperative learning is based on the assumption that learning occurs through doing and interacting.
Successful cooperative learning requires a number of management skills that are not necessary in a traditional classroom. When we allow students to talk and to move about the learning environment, we are going with rather than against their basic needs. In a cooperative classroom, students are allowed more freedoms, but they also assume more responsibilities. They are asked to support their teammates by answering questions and collecting team materials. They help in generating the classroom expectations and monitor their ability to meet those expectations, keeping on task when assignments are completed. Students aren't passive and controlled by teacher demands; they play an active role in learning, and also in managing their own cooperative behaviors. However, these characteristics do not develop instantaneously; we teach into these expectations over time.
As students engage in cooperative learning, we employ multiple management techniques. We authentically assess for understanding, keep teams on task, observe and consult, evaluate lesson design, work with individuals and/or teams and provide positive attention and recognition. All of these techniques aid us in ensuring an environment primed for learning.
Authentically Assessing Understanding
Lack of comprehension can create management issues. If we assign a task and students do not understand what they are being asked to do, we have a potential for management concerns, off-task behaviors and/or conflict. To avoid these issues, after we assign a task, we proactively circulate to observe each team or individual and verify comprehension.
Keeping Teams/Students on Task
Visiting with teams/students helps to keep them on task. Our physical proximity encourages students to stay focused and to not engage in off-task behaviors. We can ask questions to focus students/teams on their task: "What's your next step?" "How do you plan to ...?" "Who will...?"
Observe and Consult
We continue to circulate to observe and consult once students are established in their teams or individual work. As students are learning together or working independently, we leave the responsibility for problem solving and discovery with them but are readily available to pose a question or provide guidance.
Positive Attention and Recognition
One of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the behavior of our students is positive attention. Whatever we pay attention to, we will get more of; yet, it is natural for us to react and address the negative. However, studies show that focusing on positive behaviors on a proactive basis is more effective. Positive attention, which is enhanced if given immediately and publicly, paves the way for less demanding classroom management.
More on management in the upcoming weeks.
Holiday Wishes
Congratulations Are in Order!
Again, we would like to congratulate our 2015-2016 Spirit of Excellence award recipients! Job well done: Aamir, Kymberlee, Taylor, Natorius, Najm, Isaiah, Aiden, Clayton, Brandon and Madison.
Another Round of Applause
#HighcroftCares
Calendar
Monday, December 21
- 3rd Grade ELA Data Wall - TRC - 10:20 am - 11:15 am
- 5th Grade ELA Data Wall - TRC - 11:15 am - 12:10 pm
Tuesday, December 22
- 2nd Grade Math Data Wall - TRC - 1:00 pm - 1:55pm
- Winter Parties - 2:35 pm - 3:25 pm
- Turney - No Sub - All Day
Wednesday, December 23
- Operating on Half Day Shortened Schedule
- Lucas Out of the Building - Early AM
- Turney - No Sub - All Day
- 1:05 pm Dismissal
- Staff Holiday Luncheon - 1:15 pm
Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Winter Break
Friday, December 25
- Christmas
- Winter Break
Upcoming Dates
- AM - District Development - 8:00 am - 11:00 am
- PM - Building Development - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Spelling Bee - January 13th
Highcroft Herald
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/Highcroft_Ridge_Elementary
Location: 15380 Highcroft Drive, Chesterfield, MO, United States
Phone: (314)415-6400
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Twitter: @HighcroftRidge