CTESS ebook

Student Grouping (Mark if Observed)

Descriptor

Definition

Whole group is defined as the teacher providing instruction or an activity for the majority of students, or the entire class. This typically includes the “I do” or the “we do” part of explicit instruction.

Examples : All students are… •

listening to a teacher lecture.

• doing a worksheet together with the teacher. Students may be working individually, but the teacher continues to guide and set the pace for the whole group (e.g., “We do”). • playing an educational or teacher directed game or watching an instructional video clip with an academic task. Non-examples : All students are… • directed to complete the assignment on their own after teacher instruction. (Independent). • engaged in a non-educational activity. (No-Grouping). Small group is defined as a portion of students in the class (three or more) participating in an instructional scaffold or c ollaborative group. This is typically the “we do” or the “you all do” part of explicit instruction. Examples : Students are… • working with a small group of other students at a separate table with the teacher. • divided into two or more groups (Teacher is instructing or students are working collaboratively). • rotating through various centers or practice stations. Non-examples : Students are… • working in pairs to complete a task. (Partner). • seated in groups of 2-4 with no specific scaffolding or collaborative grouping task.

Whole Group (W)

How the Students are Grouped for Instruction . Small Group (S) Partner (P) Examples : Students are… • working in pairs to complete a task.

Partner is defined as two students working together on a task or discussing a concept.

• discussing an assigned topic or question with their “elbow” partner. Non-examples: Students are… • working in groups of more than two students. (Small Group). • socializing with a classmate without an instructional objective. (No Grouping).

Independent work is defined as students working individually at their own pace on a task. This may include reading, writing, completing worksheets, etc. This is typically the “you do” part of explicit instruction. Examples: A student is... • working independently on a pre-directed task (e.g., worksheet, reading silently, completing a short quiz, doing a Quick Write, using a computer). • working independently due to a disciplinary action. Non-example : Student is… • doing a worksheet together with the teacher. Students may be working individually, but the teacher continues to guide and set the pace for the whole group. (Whole Group). marked with “Down Time.” Examples : Students are … • finished with a work assignment and are waiting for further direction. • waiting for the teacher to arrive. • watching an instructional video clip without an academic task. Non-example: Students are … • reading silently as directed by the teacher prior to the teacher stepping outside of the classroom. (Independent). No grouping occurs when the teacher has not given students direction to work in any particular grouping structure or students are engaged in non-instructional activities, resulting in students being

Independent Work (I)

No Grouping (X)

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