We have discussed a paper on November 5th 2014 about collective intelligence.  Using the findings in the paper, Dr. Jamillah Zamoon suggested applying some methods to enhance student participation and learning during the sessions.  We applied her suggestions last week and it was a lot of fun.  Below is what she gave us as a guide.

Question 1: What were some key factors that helped to elevate the performance/intelligence of human groups?

Social sensitivity

Equal turn taking

Question 2: How can we apply these ideas here?

Student-Centered (YOU are the focus)

ACTIVE learning (but we ALL must DO!!)

Question 3: Why do we want student-centered ACTIVE learning?

To empower YOU (independent, free thinking, confident, productive)

Question 4: How do we implement student-centered ACTIVE learning?

Please be sure to

Prepare:

Read, take notes and come with questions!!

Participate:

Responsibility of SELF: TALK-share your thoughts with your colleagues & your discussion leader.

Responsibility to OTHERS: Respect ALL, don’t be judgmental or selfish and listen, REALLY LISTEN!!!

Enjoy:

Loosen up

Have FUN! That’s is a worthy goal

Don’t worry about getting it “right” or “pleasing” the teacher!!

It’s about YOU learning. You’ll get there!

Method implementation: ACTIVE

1. Break up into small groups (3-4 people each).

2. Take a white board and a couple of pens.

3. Spend about 10 minutes in the smaller groups WORKING TOGETHER to organize your thoughts (things you understand on one side of the white board, things that are unclear on the other side).

4. Come back to the larger group and share your white boards with everyone under the guidance of your discussion leader.

Final Suggestions:

1) Mix it up (different people, different perspectives, broader/deeper learning, plus more friends).

2) Connect with people (don’t hide behind your screen or your papers, they should be for your reference only).