This strategy effectively eliminates classroom competition. In other classroom situations, students vie for the teacher’s attention by raising their hands in a whole class question / answer format. The same students are usually ready with an answer, where other students “hide” from being called upon. This strategy is useful in that all students will have an opportunity to answer. To use this strategy:
1. The teacher numbers students off 1 – 4. The teacher may also use colors, card suits, etc. The teacher then asks a question or a set of questions. Students numbered “1” work together to develop an answer, as do all the “2s”, the “3s”, and so on.
2. The teacher calls out a number, and all students of that number raise their hands and are provided opportunity to give an answer to the question, or a part of the answer. By this random interaction, students may not withdraw from a classroom discussion.
This strategy may be used effectively with Think-Pair-Share. This exercise is excellent for developing interpersonal skills for all students. For students who work quicker than others, provide a “sponge”, or extension activity if assigned task is completed early.
Annie Croon
Comments (5)
This strategy is very interesting. I tried using it with my students this week and it worked great! I agree with you that its always the same students answering while the others are hiding behind those students. My students really seemed to enjoy it also!
Posted by Hanna Hildebran | March 14, 2009 10:39 AM
Posted on March 14, 2009 10:39
This would be a great strategy for me. I sometimes have a hard time getting my students to participate in whole group activities. I think that they are afraid of giving the wrong answer. By working with other students to come up with an answer, they may be more willing to participate.
Posted by Bethany Gilbert | March 14, 2009 11:34 AM
Posted on March 14, 2009 11:34
This strategy gives me ideas on how to keep students from blurting out answers. No matter who I call on in class, there is always one student who takes another students opportunity to think and answer. With numbering students in groups this will eliminate individual agressiveness to answer questions while shy students will feel more confident to participate due to given opportunities to answer and learning content while in small groups.
Robin Hand
Posted by Robin Hand | March 14, 2009 7:31 PM
Posted on March 14, 2009 19:31
This is a great strategy! I do something like it with my first graders. They are color coded by reading levels across the room in groups of four. High sits next to med-high, low beside med-low. It's so easy to just say what color you want to get with another color, etc. Their name tag holders are their color so they don't have to remember.
Posted by Janet Gross | March 15, 2009 7:54 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 19:54
This sounds like a great activity. The only thing I'm not clear on is how the students collaborate when their number is called. If they were randomly paired and they were in different groups or in rows it would be hard to collaborate. I think it would take time to have them meet to collaborate. However, I think this is a wonderful idea. I think it would work in groups. Groups could be labeled and the technique could be used this way. It would help students who shy away from answering questions become more active in class. I use participation sticks to ensure all students answer. I color code them and stick the colored side up when they have not been called upon. If they have already answered a question I turn their stick upsidedown. I also color code boys green and girls pink. This seems to work for me.
Posted by Candace Hensley | March 15, 2009 9:33 PM
Posted on March 15, 2009 21:33