Summer Teacher Training Forum,

Rabat, July 2010.

Abdellatif Zoubair.

zoubair2@hotmail.com

Workshop: Managing pair and group work effectively

1. Brainstorming: what`s your understanding of the following notions: a. learning styles: b. unexpected learning: c. homogeneous teams: d. stay on-task: e. accountability: f. interdependence: g. metacognitive skills: 2. Watch the video on `Managing Pair and Group Work` and answer the following questions: a. What are the major benefits of pair and group work? b. How are pairs and groups organized? c. What is the teacher`s (and learner`s) role? 3. Troubleshooting: How would you deal with these problems? a. Students are not all involved/on task b. Groups are too noisy c. Group members do not contribute equally to a task d. Too much time spent talking about irrelevant topics e. Groups and group members work at different speeds 4. Use the `Pair and Group Work` checklist and provide feedback on the present workshop. 5. Discussion: how would you implement the techniques suggested (or similar ones) in your class/school context?

References:

-Harmer, J. 2007. The Practice of English Language Teaching. Pearson Longman. -Opp-Beckman, L. & Klinghammer, S. 2006. Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World. Washington : OELP, USDS. -What is cooperative learning at www.cooperation.org

-Workshop on collaborative learning at http://www.thirteen.org/edonline