Teaching Strategy: Modeling Collaboration in a Fishbowl

Описание: Note: This was completed later in the school year with first graders; students were familiar with the conversation protocol and classroom environment of sharing was previously established.

Students need explicit modeling of appropriate conversation as well as how to work collaboratively with peers. The fishbowl models this skill as one group models the process while others watch. I like to be a part of the fishbowl group in order to point out great things I see (like manners) and also to model how to keep the conversation moving. During the fishbowl, I am also modeling referring to the rubric to make sure that our group has completed each step.

It's incredibly important to model not only the project expectations, but also the interaction expectations of students. Many teachers lament that students in the digital age are losing the art of conversation, listening, and using manners.

I chose this strategy because I have a number of students who either take over groups or have trouble compromising. By modeling this way, they can see what appropriate behaviors are. I also like to chose students who are sometimes more difficult to work with. Not only does it keep them engaged, but it also shows others that they can work well in this setting.

What helped make this strategy successful was that afterwards, I summarized the good behaviors (like manners).