Student Contributor: S. Dixon
This tool allows students to check in with their assigned teams. It helps students stay on track with their work and gives students an idea of how their peers feel that day.
This tool can be used in the form of a team folder. Students are grouped into groups of 3-5 people and that is their team. In their team folder, they can keep their current homework, class assignments, or supportive tools for class. Every folder will contain a notes and homework tracker. One student in the group will be the “team leader”. The team leaders’ job is to check in with each team member and check to see their progress regarding class work. They are also responsible for helping or working with their teammates when they are struggling with the tasks in class. In my placement we use this strategy in math class. Since my mentor runs a flipped classroom model for his math classes, students work on homework during class. This folder tracking system allows them to make sure everyone on their team is keeping up and allows for more student collaboration. From what I have seen students are very motivated when using their team folders and they really enjoy keeping each other on track.
I placed the team folders in the preventative phase because I feel it fits best here. The team folders allow students to get to know each other better and begin to develop a team plan for getting their assignments done in an efficient and effective manner. Students must understand how the folders will be used so it will be very important to begin this procedure as soon as possible at the beginning of the year. The team folders could also be supportive because students are able to keep all the materials they will need for class in one place. It could also be placed in the corrective phase because students will be redirected to their work by a teammate whenever they are off task. However, the preventative phase is the best place for this tool because it will be used most when helping students get and stay in a routine for completing their schoolwork. This tool is both collaborative and student directed. Students keep their folders organized and keep track of their progress. However, the teacher provides students with the new materials they will need each day. Therefore, this tool is most effective when used mostly by the students with support from the teacher.
More Information –
Tool Source: This idea came from my mentor teacher in my 7th grade math and social studies placement.
