Interactive Instructions

By: Madeleine Siy

Interactive Instructions

Debate Panels Brainstorming Peer Partner Learning Laboratory GroupsJigsawProblem Solving

Structured Controversy Tutorial Groups Interviewing

Debate

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Debate

is a structured contest of argumentation in which two opposing individuals or teams defend and attack a given proposition. The procedure is bound by rules that vary based on location and participants. The process is adjudicated and a winner is declared.

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Purpose of Debate

To engage learners in a combination of activities to interact with the curriculum.It forces the participants to consider not only the facts of a situations but the implication as well This competitive aspects encourage and a commitment to position It requires them to engage in research, encourage the development of listening and oratory skills, create an environment where students must think critically.

Note:

To avoid problems, clearly communicate to the students the debate rules that will guide the interaction.Be critical of ideas, not people.Focus on the best decision, not on "winning."Encourage everyone's position, even if you do not agree.Use paraphrasing when you are not clear about what someone said.Try to understand both sides of the issue.

Panel

Panel

Students present (either prepared or extemporaneously) their knowledge or their opinions on a question or topic. Groups are assigned a topic to research and asked to make a short presentation before the floor is opened to questions from the audience.

Types of Panel discussions

Public panel discussionThese are organized for common men problems To provide factual information regarding current problems2. Educational panel discussion These are organized for educational institutions To provide factual information and conceptual knowledge

Brainstorming

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a large or small group activity which encourages children to focus on a topic and contribute to the free flow of ideas. The teacher may begin by posing a question or a problem, or by introducing a topic. Students then express possible answers, relevant words and ideas. Contributions are accepted without criticism or judgement.

Purposes and uses of Brainstorming

to focus students' attention on a particular topicto generate a quantity of ideasto teach acceptance and respect for individual differencesto encourage learners to take risks in sharing their ideas and opinions

How can I do it?

In a small or large group select a leader and a recorderDefine the problem or idea to be brainstormedSet up the rules for the session.Start the brainstorming. Once you have finished brainstorming, go through the results and begin evaluating the responses.Now that you have narrowed your list down some, discuss the remaining responses as a group.

Note:

Establish a warm, supportive environment.Emphasize that a quantity of ideas is the goal.Discourage evaluative or critical comments from peers.Encourage and provide opportunity for all students to participate.Initially emphasize the importance of listening to expressed ideas, and model printing and recording of the ideas, then read each contribution to or with the group.

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Peer Partner Learning

Peer Partner Learning

Peer partner learning is a collaborative experience in which students learn from and with each other for individual purposes

Purpose of Peer Partner Learning Students reflect upon previously taught material by helping peers to learn and, at the same time, develop and hone their social skills.

How can I do it?

Students work together as partners, one functioning as a "doer" and the other as a "helper". The doer performs a task or answers questions; the helper observes and provides feedback and helping information. The doer is the student and the helper takes on the role of teacher. Later, the partners reverse roles.

Laboratory Groups

Laboratory Groups

Laboratory Groups are "cooperative learning groups in an experimental setting.

Purposes of Laboratory GroupsTo give first-hand experience in the laboratory which may increase interestTo provide student participation in original research To develop skill in the use of laboratory equipment and instruments

Advantages Disadvantages

Learning by doing

Impressions through several sense make learning more effective

Undergoing actual experience is more vivid

It is a direct preparation for life

Uneconomical way of learning

Becomes mechanical at times.

The expensive materials sometimes does not justify results.

Loss of time occurs due to indiscriminate overuse of the method.

Jigsaw Learning

Jigsaw

Is a cooperative learning strategy that enables each student of a home group to specialize in one aspect of a learning unit. Students meet with members from other groups who are assigned the same aspect, and after mastering the material, return to the home group and teach the material to their group members.

Purposes of Jigsaw

To develop teamwork and cooperative learning skills within all students.It helps develop a depth of knowledge not possible if the students were to try and learn all of the material on their own. It allows students to be introduced to material and yet maintain a high level of personal responsibility.

How can I do it?

Assign students to home teams of 4 or 5 students Assign study topics to home team members by giving them an assignment sheet Have students move to expert groups where everyone in the group has the same topic as themselves. Students work with members of their expert group to read about and/or research their topic. They prepare a short presentation and decide how they will teach their topic to their home team.

5. Students return to their home teams and take turns teaching their team members the material. 6. Involve the class in a whole-group review of all the content you expect them to master on the assessment.

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

is a constructivist approach that promotes student involvement and active learning. This instructional strategy uses real-world problems as the organizational focus of student learning. In problem-solving, students are self-directed learners while the teacher acts as facilitator.

Purposes of Problem Solving

To help students think about a problem without applying their pre-conceived ideas

It is best to help students understand complex, ethical dilemmas, think about the future or do some strategic planning

Types of Problem Solving

Reflective Problem Solving Once you have broken the students into groups, the students define the problem, analyze the problem, establish the criteria for evaluating solutions, propose solutions and take action.

Creative Problem Solving uses the same basic focus, but the process is less geared towards solutions and more towards a focus on brainstorming. The focus is on creating ideas rather than solving a clear existing problem.

Structured Controversy

Structured Controversy

This strategy involves providing students with a limited amount of background information and asking them to construct an argument based on this information. This they do by working in groups.

Purpose of Structured Controversy

to help students gain deep understanding of all positions related to a controversial topic or issuepurposeful use of controversyrequires reasoned judgment, not mere factual knowledgestudent groups argue for and against an issue, then reach a consensus that is supported by evidence

Steps to follow:

Choose a discussion topic that has at least two well documented positions.

Prepare materials

Structure the controversy:

Conduct the controversy:

Tutorial Groups

Tutorial Groups

Tutorial groups are set up to help students who need remediation or additional practice, or for students who can benefit from enrichment. A tutorial group is usually led by the teacher. Tutorial groups provide for greater attention to individual needs and allow students to participate more actively. Peer tutoring occurs when a student (the tutor) is assigned to help other students (the learners).

Interviewing

Interviewing

Interviewing, a meeting during which information is obtained by one person from another, is an excellent means for students to gain an insight into another's worldview. Effective on-line interviewing, like face-to-face interviewing, begins with the development of basic skills and thorough preparation. Students may be the interviewer or the interviewee, depending upon the skill set being developed and the information sought.