Collaborating in Groups

Is something you have already had success with during distance learning.

Is a skill that needs to be practiced, especially on Zoom.

Is important for success in high school. You will be expected to listen & build on your classmates' thinking.

Say hi to the others in your group and ask them how they are doing to break the ice before getting started

Do not automatically turn off your camera once you’re in the room. (Wifi issues excused)

Turning off all cameras is a domino effect, puts the person with their camera on in an awkward position and makes talking more difficult.

Use the camera to communicate you are done & ready to share.

If you want to turn your camera off during independent writing or reading sections of the lesson that is fine.

Once you finish responding to the questions in that section, turn your camera back on to tell your groupmate you are ready to share when they finish.

People need different amounts of time to process and answer questions. It is normal to work at different paces.

Working at a different pace does not make it impossible to work together.

Check-in with your partner. If they need more time, return to your answers above.

Make sure you have: 1. Answered the prompt 2. Deepened your response by including specific examples or evidence.

Write down any questions you have to push your thinking and ask your partner or the teacher.

Give yourself the time needed to fully answer each question. Deeper, specific answers are better than simple and short answers.

Communicate with your partner that you need a few more minutes before discussing the answers.

Understand that everyone works at a different pace. You should not have to compromise your learning by speeding up when you need more time.