One of my classes is really struggling with the group-graded Fishbowl discussions. They would be really happy if I just let them have Simple Circle discussions for the rest of the year. That would be easy and simple.
This group of students seems very reluctant to problem-solve their way out of an impasse. I can think of several strategies they might use to improve their performance as a group. Should I tell them what those strategies are?
I have, at times, given them class-time to hash out new strategies, but they don't really talk to each other in the right ways during these sessions. If they honestly assessed their own strengths and weaknesses and then did some strategic thinking about how to use their strengths to compensate for their weaknesses, they could improve. A few (perhaps not enough) of these students are accomplished athletes, and I'm surprised that they haven't transferred their skills from one domain to another...
But they'd have to get past thinking like individuals who are competing with each other for the best grades ... they'd have to truly pool their insights and skills. They'd have to see themselves as a team.
What I'm assessing, along with their critical thinking and reading skills, is the overall quality of the conversation and the demonstrated teamwork of the group.
And, as I found out during parent-conferences, some parents don't yet understand the direction we're moving in. I had a frustrated parent ask me, "Why are you teaching collaboration in English class?" I wanted to say, but didn't: "Why aren't we teaching collaboration in all classes?"
Too many of our students are still passive learners. We have a ways to go if we're going to change that.
While I won't be giving up on group grades for discussions, I may experiment next year with combining individual grades and group grades in both Simple Circles and Fishbowls. I also plan to have the Outer Circle from the Fishbowl help me assess the quality of the Inner Circle's discussion...
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