This exercise not only gives these teaching professionals information about how to best use different kinds of hands-on instruction, it also gives them some insight into the learning process as they experience the same feelings of optimism, frustration, competitiveness, and potential for learning their students feel in each of these situations. In Room 1, participants working on the guided activity each have a worksheet with instructions and clear expectations about what they need to accomplish. The activity asks participants to mix detergent and water in two different bowls, beat one bowl 200 strokes and the other 600 strokes, and then compare the results in a series of simple experiments. Send one person from your group up to get the materials. You have 20 minutes to complete the activity and fill out your sheet.
Some students begin to read their instructions while their partners go to collect the materials.
The teams begin whipping their soap foam with eggbeaters, as instructed, and carrying out the required trials. What they are supposed to be doing seems very clear to all. Most groups seem very focused on getting through the worksheet. I can see some people checking the clock frequently to make sure they finish in the allotted time. There is little conversation in this room.