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“Collaboration involves engaging with others and others’ ideas; it is a process of give and take, and, as one collective mind, taking ideas and innovations to the next level.”
“Collaboration involves engaging with others and others’ ideas; it is a process of give and take, and, as one collective mind, taking ideas and innovations to the next level.”
-Dr. Nancy Sulla
Norms and Protocols
Norms and Protocols
Norms- Classroom norms are the behavioral expectations or rules of the classroom. Norms inform us how we are expected to behave toward one another and with the classroom materials. They can include items such as actively listening, not interrupting others, asking others for their thoughts and opinions, sharing classroom materials, etc.
Protocols: Discussion protocols are a powerful classroom tool. Teachers can create protocols to ensure students are engaged in purposeful discussion around a specific topic.
Create a Discussion Protocol -This How-To Sheet will guide you through the steps to create a discussion protocol for students. As you design, consider your students and add resources they may need to the directions (e.g., picture clues).
Create a Discussion Protocol -This How-To Sheet will guide you through the steps to create a discussion protocol for students. As you design, consider your students and add resources they may need to the directions (e.g., picture clues).
Guidelines for Engaging in Group Discussion Protocols -In a discussion protocol, small groups of students pose or are given questions to discuss based on texts, research, and activities related to the learning/content or PBL unit. They then follow given guidelines to collaborate and engage in the discussion.
Guidelines for Engaging in Group Discussion Protocols -In a discussion protocol, small groups of students pose or are given questions to discuss based on texts, research, and activities related to the learning/content or PBL unit. They then follow given guidelines to collaborate and engage in the discussion.
Helping Students Put Down Their Phones and Connect with One Another - This Edutopia article offers an idea to get students talking to each other. Read it and let us know what you think! 🙂
Small-Group Discussions
Small-Group Discussions
Small Group Discussions - Discussions in small groups provide structured opportunities for students to share, thereby increasing their executive function and strengthening social and emotional learning competencies.
Check out the samples below:
EF Collaboration: Multiple Perspectives
EF Collaboration: Multiple Perspectives
Being able to see multiple sides of complex ideas is a critical skill for successful collaboration and, therefore, for achieving success with rigor. This ability to see multiple sides builds on the cognitive flexibility skill of changing perspectives and moves the student toward a capacity for empathy. Looking at an event or a situation from different viewpoints builds an awareness in students that all situations can be seen in multiple ways.
Building Consensus - Read this blog post to learn about structures that help students collaborate with each to reach consensus.
Sample Discussion Protocol Examples
Sample Discussion Protocol Examples
Content Sample for Secondary Social Studies:
Collaborative Reading Circle Discussion Protocol (w/Accountable Talk Stems)
Directions:
To prepare for this activity, independently read the text, Hammurabi’s Code of Laws and complete the leveled questions on the Cornell Notes. (Note: This activity would be done prior to the discussion. This could be the day before or the class prior, but not the same time)
In groups of 3, participate in the collaborative reading circles discussion protocol (Note: Keep discussion groups to no more than 5 students)
Content Sample for Secondary Science:
Collaborative Reading Circle Discussion Protocol (w/Accountable Talk Stems)
Directions:
To prepare for this activity, independently read pgs 2-4 of the text, Electric Forces and complete as many of the questions on the Cornell Notes as you can (Note: This activity would be done prior to the discussion. This could be the day before or the class prior, but not the same time)
In groups of 3, participate in the collaborative reading circles discussion protocol (Note: Keep discussion groups to no more than 5 students)
Content Sample for Social Studies:
Affinity Mapping
Working in groups of 3-4, read through the directions and then begin the independent video after.
Independently, listen to the video, Ancient Mesopotamia. Reflect and jot down your thoughts and takeaways on each sticky note.
In groups, continue on using the Affinity Mapping protocol.
Collaboration Activity Ideas:
Collaboration Activity Ideas:
Elementary example:
Debate story-time- Have students read a story with multiple characters and perspectives. Afterward, engage them in a group discussion where they take on the roles of different characters, explaining their viewpoints and feelings. This promotes understanding different perspectives and maintaining social appropriateness in discussions.
Cause and Effect Storytelling Circle- Begin with a simple cause, such as "It started raining," and then have each student add an effect to the story. For example, the next student might say, "The children ran inside," and the next, "They found a cozy spot to read books," and so on. This activity encourages critical thinking, cooperative storytelling, and engagement while exploring cause-and-effect relationships.
Secondary example: Have students use content vocabulary terms within the story. Create expectations that it has to be used correctly and within context.
Sentence Starters 🗣️
Sentence Starters 🗣️
Sometimes, the barrier that prevents students from conversing and discussing with others is that they don't know what to say or how to say it.
Oftentimes, students struggle with HOW to express their thoughts accurately, and with evidence when needed. You can use the resource to the right to give students examples of what they can say to keep themselves and their peers accountable to accurate knowledge. You might also use the resource below:
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