Students are asked to think about and write down their response to a question, problem, or case study. Next, students compare their ideas and thoughts with a partner. Then, pairs share their summaries or conclusions with the entire class. Iris Petroff keeps a variety of textbooks in the classroom to use as research tools. As a new topic is introduced in class, students raise questions.
Different groups use the books to research the answers and then teach the information to each other.
Mike Fixler begins the year with a special note to parents. The textbook was sent home each week. Parents were asked to read aloud with their children. Mike sent home questions to ponder and invited both students and parent to write comments. By Mel Silberman.