The
importance of incorporating whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one
instruction into the classroom each and everyday is crucial for optimum
learning. Using a variety of organizational strategies is key because we all
know that no two children learn alike. But by integrating each of these three
different types of strategies we are able to better reach our students and their
individual learning styles through differentiated instruction.
Whole-group
instruction is useful when introducing a topic or instructions and as the book
mentioned, it helps “build a sense of community in the classroom.” But for
teaching skills small-group or one-on-one instruction would be more beneficial.
Small-group instruction is great to use for guiding reading and writing where
children may need more assistance from the teacher. I personally love the idea
of small-groups because it gives the teacher the opportunity to work more
closely with his/her students without taking up the time one-on-one instruction
demands. It would be ideal to work one-on-one with every student every day but
the time is just not allotted; so this is where small-groups work well.
The
biggest issue most teachers run into when using small-group instruction is
creating the groups. There are several ways these groups could be determined,
such as by interest, friendships, academic achievement, or even random. And
depending on what the small group is working on may determine the way the
groups are chosen. But again, as the book mentioned, “Teachers need to plan for
many types of groups so that children get to work in this setting with many
others in the class to avoid the stigma attached to being associated with only
one group.” We never want children to feel left out because they are constantly
being placed in the “low achieving” groups, so to avoid this we need to change
up group placement as often as possible.
The
last organizational strategy and to me the most beneficial is one-on-one
instruction. During one-on-one instruction children are either working
independently or working with the teacher. And although children do need time
to collaborate with their peers, independent work time is just as important.
One-on-one time allows the teacher to give the students personal attention and
work with them on any subject area that they may be struggling with. These
meetings typically get a lot accomplished in a short period of time because the
teacher is only focusing on one student.
It
is obvious that I personally value one-on-one instruction above the other two
organizational strategies, but what strategy do you all find to be the most beneficial?
I would use the small group. While I totally agree one-on-one is a great strategy and would love to use it all the time, I know that I won't always be able to get to meet with every student. Small group is a great way in which you can differentiate instruction for specific students and allow students to work together in a collaborative environment. You can also highlight students strengths and weaknesses as well. You can put students together that all have a different area of strength. By doing this students can learn from each other, and can show case their strength and help their fellow classmates.
ReplyDeleteI personally would use small group. I believe that one-on-ones are great ideas and would help and benefit my students, i want them to work with others and be able to share ideas. If they are working with other students they can bounce ideas back and fourth off of each other. I believe that large group instruction should be done at some points in the day, but I think students learn better when they are working with their peers. Students are also learning social skills in working in small groups. I understand it is hard to pick them but i believe that if you really thought that small groups are best, you will be able to figure out to group them in the best way possible. You will also learn more about your students so that will make grouping them easier.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't think it is a matter of just one strategy. No one person learns exactly one way, and that is why we teach several ways. That is why we are taught these strategies, with the hope we use all of them, even if we don't think that we will do well at it. All of these strategies promote a different skill for the students, and it is our job to hone those skills and make them better or stronger. Why choose one, when we can have them all?
ReplyDeleteI believe that students need all types of instruction. When it comes to introducing a sunject or an idea, I think whole-group is nice because everyone gets an overview of what is going to be introduced in the small groups. When it comes to small-groups, this is when the meat of the lesson will happen. It allows for students to make more meaningful connection to the material. Finally, one-on-one instruction is important because it allows for students to get individualized instruction. This allows for students to get more attention and may help fill the gaps.
ReplyDelete