Group assignment

1) Snowball Teaching method:

Snowball is a group problem solving technique. It worked by having students tackle a series of problems,
This technique is most effective for complex problems, where smaller sub problems must be solved
sequentially in order to solve the larger problem. I started out with very large group.

Instructions given:

Provided students with information. It included texts, photos, and other resource materials.
Given students approximately 10 minutes to read through the material. Students determine the key
facts. Once students have written down the main details, they share what they know with other
student. Students became teachers explaining the information. Two pairs then form groups of four.
The process is repeated. Students compare notes. Each student adds additional details to their
notebook. Groups of four may be combined into groups of eight. The process is repeated.
Continued combining groups and discussing information.
Benefits:
Multiple modes of learning and interacting (individual, small group, large group) provide diversity for
diverse learning styles. This technique actively engages students. Students become the teachers.
This method provides opportunities for collaboration.
Constraints:

This strategy takes a long time and very dependent on the ability of students to understand the
material.
Solution:
Use this strategy whenever you have more time.

2) Socratic Teaching method:

It is an Inquiry based teaching strategy to encourage students to engage in critical thinking,

listening, and communicating. It is a forum in which students determine the flow of classroom
discussion and teachers serve as facilitators. An atmosphere of intellectual engagement,
cooperation and conversation. The goal is not to answer questions but to generate to answer
questions. Conducting a 3-4 Person Team. It is a strategy to use as I had a LARGE class (over
16 students). Divided the class into “Inner” and “ Outer ” circles. Inner Circle – active
participants/speakers Outer Circle- students observe 2-3 active participants for: New ideas,
more questions (what about ?), and hand notes to their speaker using the text to further the
conversation

Benefits :
 Time to engage in in-depth discussions, problem solving, and clarification of ideas. Building a strong,
collaborative work culture. Enhanced knowledge and research base. Increased success for all
students

Constraints:

Failure without student participation. Some students dislike that there is no “right” answer. Many
students fear speaking in front of a group. Sometimes the discussion might lead to difficulty to fit
into a highly structured curriculum.

Solution:
Need to encourage students
Take a Medium structured curriculum to avoid confusion which leads to difficulty.