Checklists or journal writing may be used for self-reflection or for initiating group discussions. Divide the class into heterogeneous groups. Assign each member of the home group a number. Each group is assigned a certain portion of the material to be learned. These groups study the assigned material and determine how they will share what they have learned with the other members of their home group.
Students return to their home groups.
Each member shares what he or she has learned with the other members. Teacher and students identify a topic to be investigated. The topic is brainstormed and ideas are categorized under subtopics. The class is divided into groups to research and report on subtopics. Each group determines how the investigation of its subtopic will be conducted.