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Cross Classroom Cross Classroom Collaboration Collaboration
through Learning Circlesthrough Learning Circles
Learning Learning CircleCircle
Teachers Teachers
& &
Margaret Margaret
RielRiel
Computers Networks:Authentic Audiences for
StudentsA number of research studies show same effect:Writing in the context of meaningful projects leads to skill development that is higher than is achieved with routine drill and practice methods.
Learning Circles: Cross-Classroom CollaborationTo Create a Circle Publication
Group Investigations Group Investigations withinwithin Classrooms.Classrooms.
Group Investigations Group Investigations acrossacross Classrooms.Classrooms.
One of the best ways to learn something is to agree to teach it to someone else!
One of the best ways to learn something is to agree to teach it to someone else!
What is involved in Meaningful What is involved in Meaningful Writing Projects? Writing Projects?
Connecting learning to people, Connecting learning to people, places and activitiesplaces and activities
Understanding the values and Understanding the values and perspectives of different groupsperspectives of different groups
Communicating ideas and attitudes Communicating ideas and attitudes through writing using language through writing using language appropriatelyappropriately
Developing identityDeveloping identity
Learning Circle ModelLearning Circle Model
Emphasis on Writing Emphasis on Writing across the Curriculum across the Curriculum
Focus on Multi-Focus on Multi-Disciplinary Themes Disciplinary Themes
Support for Support for Collaborative Collaborative Learning Learning
Learning Circle ModelLearning Circle Model
Learning Circle Learning Circle Partners Partners
(A Group of 6-10 Classes)(A Group of 6-10 Classes)
Grade level compatibility
Geographic Diversity
Common Timeline
Task Coordination
Individual Creativity
Responsibility to the Group
Phase 1: Getting Ready
OverviewOverviewThe Learning Circle Teacher Guide provides The Learning Circle Teacher Guide provides
a structural approach to promoting cross-a structural approach to promoting cross-classroom collaboration with classroom collaboration with telecommunications. The first chapter telecommunications. The first chapter provides an overview. If you want to provides an overview. If you want to understand this model of online teaching understand this model of online teaching and learning, it is a good place to begin.and learning, it is a good place to begin.
Learning Circles - An IntroductionLearning Circles - An Introduction
Phases of Learning Circle Interaction from 1-6 Phases of Learning Circle Interaction from 1-6
OpeningOpeningthe the
Circle Circle
PlanningPlanning Circle Circle ProjectsProjects
ExchangingExchanging StudentStudent WorkWork
OrganizingOrganizing CircleCirclePublicationPublication
ClosingClosingthe the
CircleCircle
InteractionInteraction
Learning CircleLearning Circle
Phase 2: Opening the Circle
Classroom Survey (online)1. About the Students
2. About the School
3. About the Community
Welcome Packs (postal mail) Send whatever fits in a large envelope (pictures,
brochures, drawings, symbols, etc.) that will tell others
1. Who you are
2. What you look like
3. What you like to do
4. Where you live
Phase 2: Phase 2: "Team Formation" Activities"Team Formation" Activities
Phase 2: "Team Phase 2: "Team Formation" ObjectivesFormation" Objectives
Students: Think critically about self; define
themselves for others.
Learn from others what things they value.
Develop descriptive skillsLearn to work with people from diverse
backgrounds.
Phase 3: Planning Phase 3: Planning Circle ProjectsCircle Projects
Phase 3: Planning Phase 3: Planning Circle ProjectsCircle Projects
Phase 3: Planning Circle Phase 3: Planning Circle Projects:Projects:
Setting Goals & Commitment Setting Goals & Commitment
Responsibility & Responsibility & Commitment Commitment Each Class as a team
organizes or "sponsors" a project for the group.
Every class is responsible to send at least one response to the projects in their Learning Circle.
Places and PerspectivesElementary
Comparing Places
Historical City Tour
Local History Timeline
World War II Surveys
Weather
Ecosystems
1850 Simulation
Mind WorksMiddle School Circle Stories
Invention Convention
Place Poetry
Cultural Stories
Predictions 2020
Environmental Projects
Teen Tales
Global IssuesHigh School
New World Order
Economic Issues
Ozone and the Environment
Solar Power
A.I.D.S.
Oil Spills
Students... Develop interpersonal skills as students
work together to develop project idea.
Learn to plan ahead as they consider what type of material to request for their partners.
Develop written communication skills as they describe their project to the Circle.
Phase 4: Exchanging
Student Work
Phase 4: Phase 4: Exchanging Student Work Exchanging Student Work ImplementationImplementation
Students working in groups send work on all of the Learning Circle Projects.
Student receive work from other students and store this information for later use.
Each class team monitors the work received on their sponsored project and encourages their partners to complete work on schedule.
Team WorkTeam Work
Exchange of Student Work on Projects
Picture by Heather Davis, John Wayland Elementary School
Phase 4: Implementation Phase 4: Implementation Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives
Students...Research topics from other classes.
Work with community resources.
Learn to monitor goals on schedule.
Develop strategies to encourage others to meet deadlines.
Store & retrieve information with technology
Phase 5: Publishing Projects
Phase 5: Organizing the Circle Phase 5: Organizing the Circle Publication HPublication High Performanceigh Performance
Students reflect on their project and make decisions about how to present their collectively.
Students evaluate, edit and format the information that they select to create a chapter, section or report for the Circle Publication.
Students become PublishersStudents become Publishers
A Learning Circle Publication
Places and PerspectivesSpring 1995
Phase 5: Organizing the Phase 5: Organizing the Circle Publication Circle Publication
Student ObjectivesStudent Objectives
Students Learn to:Students Learn to:
Work with information, analyzing, comparing, and editing to create a final presentation.
Use technical tools to create a final presentation.
Accept responsibility for the work, making sure that all tasks are completed within a group timeline.
Phase 6: Closing the Circle
Phase 6: Closing the Circle Phase 6: Closing the Circle Reflection and Renewal Reflection and Renewal
Good-byeIt isn't easy to say Good-Bye
To all the fun things we did
And all the new friends we made.
We fly like birds in our minds
And see you afar
Even though mountains and states and countries divide us.
If you try,
If you really try,
We can all be one in our hearts,
In our minds
And in our body.
4th grade students from Sanders Elementary, Arizona to their Learning Circle Partners
Locate and Evaluate Information
Research & Organize Ideas
Creative Problem-Solving within a Team
Understand Multiple Perspectives on Issues
Develop Cooperative Learning Strategies
Increase Self-Esteem and Confidence
Accept Individual and Group Responsibility
Use Technology Effectively
Circle Closing Circle Closing Overall Learning ObjectivesOverall Learning Objectives
Cross-Classroom Collaboration
Continual learning and professional opportunities for teachers in theclassroom
Connections to the learning opportunities outside of the classroom for students
World
Dr. Margaret RielSRI International &
Pepperdine University
[email protected] 943-1314
Links to more Information Links to more Information Links to more Information Links to more Information
On Learning CirclesOn Learning Circles
www.iearn.org/circles
