Connections

In order for learning to occur, students need to connect to their own prior knowledge. Connections are like building bridges between the old and new. This building bridge can be brief or in-depth as long as it serves the needs of all learners. Pre-assessment determines prior knowledge whereas connections provides the link between old knowledge and new knowledge. This step is critical to applying constructivist theory in a classroom.

How do I build community?

• create trust between teacher and student and among the students
• build self-confidence so students will take risks, engage in dialogue
• move from competition to collaboration
• form 'community clusters'
• create learning circles of like-minded teachers to provide support and share ideas
• practice working in collaborative groups and assign specific roles and tasks
• encourage partner or peer tutoring situations
• begin using reflective journals and/or learning logs
• be open with the students that you are trying a different way of teaching and explain why - allow them time to express thoughts & feelings throughout the process
  
  

How do I group my students?

• students need to be taught how to work in a collaborative group
• keep groups “fluid” where students move in and out as needed
• use a variety of groupings based on ability or readiness, instructional needs and interests
• heterogeneous - a group of students with varying ability where each student takes a role in an area of strength that adds to the knowledge of the whole group
• homogeneous - 'cluster' grouping of a group of students with similar abilities or interest area can be effective for certain areas of study
• a group of 3 or 4 students works well in most settings
• teacher may choose and at other times, students may choose group members
• establish home-based teams and work teams to blend a heterogeneous group with a homogeneous group
• multiage groupings allow students of similar interests to learn from each other and work together