When I am in a group activity, I work with group members to discuss information, solve a problem, or work on a project. I am a valuable member of the group. If I do not understand the directions or goal of the activity, I ask the group members . If they do not know, I ask the teacher to explain the directions or goal again. Initially, the special education teacher introduces the strategy cards by reading the designated script.
Students then practice the technique in small groups in the resource room.
When these students seem to be competent in using the procedure, the mainstream teacher then presents the strategy to the entire class. This instruction is followed immediately by a cooperative learning activity in which all students practice the new strategy. In many of your classes, teachers ask students to work in small groups to do learning activities. Sometimes, students get confused about what to do during those activities. Here are some cards that may help you work in these small groups.