The New Improv Page-GroupsBasque history

Once a week time is set aside for group discussion assignments. 

Group assignment #1: EUSKARA
Group assignment #2: ETXEA

Why Group Work?

Generally speaking, there are three levels of learning that include:

1.     Declarative Knowledge
·         Who, what, when, where & how
·         “Throw-away” knowledge

2.     Comprehension & Implementation
·         Do multiplication, write a book review, etc
·         Self-evaluation
·         Goal Setting & Time management
·         Attitudes & Motivation

3.     Metacognition:  “Thinking about thinking”
·         Active Learning:  “We learn by doing”  

The weak spot of an all-lecture format is that students might slip into a passive rather than an active mode of learning.  To break things up, we will be using our small discussion groups to address issues.

Group Guiding Principles

·       “Play or Pass” rule

·       I am critical of ideas, not of people.

·       I listen to all ideas even if I don’t always agree.

·       I restate what others have said if it is not clear to me.

·       I endeavor to look at all sides of a question.

·       I am interested in arriving at the best decision possible for my group, rather than with trying to look good myself.

·       I change my mind when the evidence indicates that I should.

 

Group tasks

·       Team Captain:  keeps the group focused & on task

·       Recorder:  takes notes of salient points / attendance

·       Encourager:  gives members positive feedback

·       Reflector:  Appraises strengths/weaknesses of group

·       Devil's Advocate:  challenges assumptions


Final Peer Assessment

At the end of the term, you will be asked to anonymously evaluate your fellow group members:  only the instructor will know the results and they will not be shared with students.  After meeting in groups several times, you should have developed a sense of your fellow group members if you and they were there regularly.