Good Spirit School Division5 Year

Professional Development Continuum

Module 3Incorporating

Flexible Groupings

into Instruction

Module Outcomes

1. To develop an awareness of flexible grouping and the role it plays in planning instruction in a differentiated classroom.

2. To determine different flexible grouping strategies that can be implemented in a classroom.

Differentiation is ....... a philosophy that focuses on the student... a way of thinking about teaching and learning“... a teacher acknowledging that kids learn in different ways, and responding by doing something about that through curriculum and instruction.” (Bafile, 2004 - in an interview with Carol Ann Tomlinson)“... adapting content, process, and product in response to student readiness, interest and/or learning profile.” (Bafile, 2004 - a more dictionary-like definition)

What is flexible grouping?Flexible grouping is a differentiated instruction strategy that involves grouping students in a variety of different ways. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively in groups to develop their collaboration and communication skills. Collaboration and communication are two important skills of 21st Century learners.

Flexible Grouping Considerations

Teacher ChoiceStudent Choice

Random

Arrangements (TIPS, like, unlike

groups)

ReadinessInterest

Learning Modalities

How do we use flexible grouping?

• Begin with assessment or instruction.

• Put students into flexible groups based on purpose of the task.

• Groups are meant to be fluid.

Why do we use flexible grouping?

• Enables differentiation to occur. • Allows for both collaboration with classmates and

independent work.• Allows students to work with a wide variety of

peers.• Keeps students from being pegged as ‘advanced’

or ‘struggling.’

Grouping Patterns

T – Total Group

I – Independent

P – Partners

S – Small Groups

Duration of Flexible Groups• Single lesson or activity• Set of skills• Unit of study• A few minutes• An hour• A day• A week• A month

Prepare Students for Flexible Groups By Discussing:

• Why you are using a specific grouping practice?

• The expectations for behaviour within groups.

Group Work RoutinesConsider establishing the following group work routines:

Attention-Getting SignalAsking QuestionsManaging MaterialsUsing Anchor ActivitiesBehaviour Expectations

Module Assignment • Consider the different flexible grouping

strategies presented in this module. • Choose a flexible grouping strategy to use in

your classroom. • A planning guide and reflection template are

included to support you with this module. This needs to be completed.

Name: ___________________________________ Date: ____________

Name of Strategy: ____________________________________________________

Purpose of Strategy: __________________________________________________

Subject: ____________________________________________________________

Lesson/Unit: ________________________________________________________

Purpose of Grouping

Type of Grouping

Size of Grouping

Formation of Grouping

Implementation Plan:

Module 3: Flexible Grouping Planning Guide

Review Practice Re-Teaching Enrichment

Same Ability--Readiness Mixed Ability--Interests Mixed Ability--Learning Styles

Partners Trials Small Groups Whole Group

Teacher Choice Student Choice Random

Module 3 ExpectationsTEACHERS:• Implement a flexible grouping strategy into

instruction.