Work in cooperative learning groups in order to achieve set learning goals, leading to a higher retention of learned material, social and emotional benefits, raised self esteem and motivation because of peer support. Skills include taking turns, encouraging all members, verbalising, summarising, communicating and relating new material to existing knowledge. Peer teaching is one of the greatest methods which can be utilised in a multiage class, small school or urban classroom. Open-ended questions allow children to respond at their own level. Brainstorming encourages involvement and lateral thinking if all ideas and contributions are accepted, no matter how unusual.
All students have a valuable contribution to make towards what is produced within a classroom.
It's essential that you and the students believe this. Consider allowing children to build models, draw pictures, use the computer, give an oral presentation rather than insisting on written tasks as this will develop the self-esteem of children who are less competent in this area. While based mainly on a whole language philosophy, this book offers some very effective general classroom strategies. EdNA is a hotlink which provides suggestions on other suitable web sites. It is also constantly updated.