SYNERGY-NET on http://metro.turnpike.net/~pflaump
 
RE: Grouping by style : how to have great classes
 
What I use to set up groups is the Keirsey Temperament sorter ( a
free form of the Myers-Briggs from "Please Understand me" (an
excellent book).
 
I use the chart in the book as a map of the classroom and ask
people to stand in their personality profile square. I have them
label themselves with first name and type - i.e. the Extroverts
to the front of the room, the introverts to the back; The sensing
( materialist ) to the left, the Intuitive (spiritual) to the
right, then divide each quarter into thinking/feeling and
Judgmental (really the planning type)/ Perceiving (spontaneous )
types. Form groups of less than 7 - I like 3 or 4 maybe 5 people
to a group. The groups are stable all term ( 15 weeks). They can
expel non-preforming members.
 
The people believe that they share traits in common. This helps
keep the groups active for the whole term (15 weeks). They give
themselves a group name "The Boston Tea Party". They make a color
coded folder for their work. There are 15 units (weeks) each made
up of A: reading and discussion of the textbook (a group report,
one page each unit ); B: An activity in my workbook or can be
made up by the groups (a group report, typed) and C: a personal
journal ( Theme and how all this relates to me, one page typed )
when finished all the papers are put into the folder and handed
it. (One A, one B and as many C's as people in the group- one
page each typed) I give points and comments. (Up to 8 points per
unit - 2 really not much, 4 something, 6 good but lacks
initiative, only what's required; 8 = excellent, more than
required ) They can improve the work and hand it in again ( more
like the real world where your work is not just accepted as a C
but you do it again, and again and improve ). They put finished
the material in file, get it credited then put it into a
"portfolio" (3" binder). 80% of the total points need to be in
these basic units. The other 20% can be in innovative activities,
field trips, movies, books, videos, almost anything. At lease 50%
of class time is given to group meeting. They also have outside
meetings ( lab time).
 
When they have 113 1/2 points ( includes attendence points ) they
become eligible for the "A", the whole portfolio is reviewed for
organization and themes. When they are done they are done. There
are no test or anything else. It works great. The people are
turned on, fired up - dull bored students lighten up and become
active. Synergy happens and its a joy to see. It's not easy
because you have a lot of paper work but worth while and you will
love it. The joy of teaching will return. Cut down lecture, bring
up synergy.
 
 
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** Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D. , Headmaster GLOBAL_VILLAGE_SCHOOLHOUSE
225 Robinson Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169-2176 (904) 428-9609
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SYNERGY-NET on http://metro.turnpike.net/~pflaump is where YOU can
collaborate with the future using Interactive Education and Training
on your own Web pages. ** Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D. , Headmaster
GLOBAL_VILLAGE_SCHOOLHOUSE 225 Robinson Road, New Smyrna Beach,
FL 32169-2176 (904) 428-9609 [log in to unmask]  [log in to unmask]
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