Teaching Strategies

Board Work in Random Groups

Peter Liljedahl was the keynote speaker at two Alberta High School Math Institutes hosted by the ARPDC.  His presentations included results from studies showing that student thinking and engagement is increased when students work on non-permanent vertical surfaces in random groups.  View videos of his presentations on the ERLC site.  (Presentation 1, Presentation 2)

What it looks like.

Present the class with a problem.

Make random groups and assign each group a section of the board to work at.

Monitor student progress and assist as needed.  Promote discussion within and between groups. 

After a satisfactory period of time ask students to return to their desks and debrief the activity using the work still on the boards.

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The Benefits.

Promotes teaching each other and discussion which are key aspects of communication.

Ability to see students work and assess level of understanding.

It is harder for students to hide.

Creating movement and getting out of the desks adds energy to the class.

A vertical non-permanent surface for work encourages students to take risks and try things.

Random groups promotes a positive class atmosphere and gives the class an opportunity to get to know everyone.

 

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The Challenges.

Not enough board space... try some groups on the board and some at their desks. 

It takes some effort to encourage students to communicate well.  Try telling students to take turns writing.  To encourage this call out "switch" so that they have to change.  A good rule to establish is that if you have an idea you are not allowed to write it down.  You have to communicate it to a group member who can then write it down.