They become members of a classroom community. Much of the language and skills involved in cooperative learning are taught in the Open Circle Curriculum. Less evident are the explicit connections between the Open Circle Curriculum and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks . The purpose of this project is to make these connections. The Open Circle Curriculum creates the foundation and environment for cooperative learning.
Students learn skills such as good listening, problem solving, and validating others' opinions.
They learn to set classroom guidelines and rules that set the standards for a safe, respectful learning environment. Finally, students learn the language and vocabulary to express their feelings and opinions and to solve problems in an independent manner. These fundamental skills directly and indirectly impact their learning in social studies, science, math, language arts and health education. Another Lesson 3 Classroom Rules English Lang. Arts Character Education 1 Grades 5-8 Discussion Students will apply understanding of agreed upon roles in a variety of discussion formats.