Launch Lessons begin with a full-class discussion of a problem situation and of related questions to think about . Teacher is director and moderator. Sample launch Explore Classroom activity then shifts to investigating focused problems and questions related to the launching situation by gathering data, looking for patterns, constructing models and meanings, and making and verifying conjectures. As students collaborate in small groups, the teacher circulates from group to group providing guidance and support, clarifying or asking questions, giving hints, providing encouragement, and drawing group members into the discussion to help groups work more cooperatively. The unit materials and related questions posed by students drive the learning.
Teacher is facilitator.
This discussion leads to a class summary of important ideas or to further exploration of a topic if competing perspectives remain. Varying approaches and differing conclusions that can be justified should be encouraged. Teacher is moderator. Finally, students are given a task related to lesson objectives to complete on their own . The teacher circulates in the room assessing levels of student understanding.