Blog #2: Marzano Ch.7

Marzano chapter 7 was our most recent reading assignment. After reading through this chapter, I realized my supervising teacher does not utilize cooperative learning (or at least not that I have seen). I'm sure he does use it occasionally. From what I have observed so far he focuses mainly on class discussion, short writings, printouts to go along with lecture, and internet resources. These are all really great things! He does a great job of utilizing different technologies and different teaching methods. However, he does steer clear of group work or cooperative learning. It may be that he has been teaching for several years and he is now in a groove that he feels works for him and his students. While I'm writing up my lesson plans, I'm attempting to include some "think-pair-share" exercises, some role-playing, 4-corners, and other activities that promote discussion and student interaction. With all of these group activities, I wish I could rearrange the class so the students would be more in a circle, facing each other, rather than rows facing each others' backs. This type of set-up (rows) doesn't necessarily promote discussion and it makes it more difficult to get into groups for cooperative learning. I do realize that not every scenario will work out the way I'd like (the desks are immovable because on every desk there is a computer that's hooked up to a power source through outlets in the floor). Regardless, I will do my best to incorporate group work and lots of discussion. I think if you can get students to realize the big ideas on their own and then you (teacher) elaborate on those discoveries, it causes the students to better understand the concepts and retain the information. Most of the time this can be achieved through group work and class discussion. Prompting questions and well-planned tasks are a big help, as well.