Case
Small Group Content

As a new teacher, I have noticed that what the students need and what the pacing calls for often does not align. This problem has a major effect on small group in my class. I am torn between giving the students what they need bridge their gaps or to teach the current pacing standard which will be tested on that Friday. Grades have to be taken.

Posted on: 10/25/15 | Views: 1252
Solution #1
Top Solution
This issue is very evident in my practices as a teacher as well. I have so many students who are not on grade level in regards to their overall comprehension of the content, and as a result, I have to perform extensive scaffolding to assist with bridging the gap between what the students know and don't know. In addition, I also provide alternative assignments that will assist with the students overall comprehension.
28 0
Solution #2
Mixing up the small groups may be a possible solution for this problem. Allowing one of the top performing kids in the class to be in a group with lower kids will push them and help them to gain more ground.

This is a great solution!

The students would be able to help one another learn in this setting. I would suggest trying to place the students in groups that vary their performance levels evenly.

This is what I would do if I were in this situation

9 0
Solution #3
Try to provide students with additional outlets to better understand information that they can use in their spare time. It is unfortunate that as teachers it is so hard to align student needs and the pacing, but we have to be sure we get through all information and even taking one extra day on a specific section will throw off the timing of everything else.
1 0
Solution #4
Sometimes it helps speaking with other teachers about their ideas and work they hav edone I the past. A lot of times, collaborating with other teachers, helps a lot. I know it can be challenging to allign everything up, but eventually, it will get easier.:)

I agree that asking other teachers is beneficial, especially those that have been in the profession for a long time. They will know what to do.

Talking with other co-workers is a great idea!

1 0
Solution #5
I can see how that would be a problem in the classroom. Sometimes the distance between what the student's need compared to where they're at academically can be a huge problem in the classroom. I have seen that in classrooms I have been in. Often times the teachers will simply teach the current pacing standard and not what the student's actually need. However, I think that a teacher needs to teach what they need as well as where they should be at.
1 0
Solution #6
This is very common. My recommendation is to provided scaffolding between what they know and what they don't. Maybe after school or before school help.
1 0
Solution #7
The problem of meeting both what below grade level students need and what curriculum call for is unavoidable. Before students move forward they must have an understanding of previous concepts, when addressing concepts that students should already know build in introduction to on grade level topics. Students should be working toward using the basic concept to apply to newer content.
1 0
Solution #8
Provide enough background knowledge and scaffold so students can retain and learn information.

REALLY GOOD TIP!!

1 1
Solution #9
The student needs to know the information or they will not be able to successfully pass the class. If you can make time to teach that small group in your class, that would be great. If you cannot get this done during the school day, I suggest before or after school catch-up time.
1 1
Solution #10
mixing groups together with top honor students of the class in each group with struggling students to push them and help.
0 0
Solution #11
Maybe try to create interesting and effective ways to present the curriculum to the students? Differentiating the instruction and catering it towards your student's learning styles may help!
0 0
Solution #12
As a solution, I would have the students work in small groups, so they can go at their own paces. Then if some students do need extra time, they can be pulled aside during a down time activity.
0 3
Solution #13
I do see the issue with moving forward when the students are not ready to. I see the frustration with needing to move forward and the students having gaps in their current lessons. This can be hard for any new teacher to deal with and I think that you have to find a fine line between reteaching the material and moving forward with the new lessons.
0 3