Some call this vertical learning (not to be confused with virtual grouping/mixed age teaching)
Stand up learning has 6 key elements:
- Learners work in groups of at least four people
- ideally they should be randomly allocated to groups so that they have maximum opportunity to learn with/from a diverse range of people
- A vertical non-permanent work surface (whiteboard, write on wall, large touchscreen display) for each group
- Each group member is randomly allocated a specific role in the group
- Coordinator - coordinates the group members and ensures everyone stays on task and keeps to their role
- Scripe - the only group member who can write on the vertical work surface
- The questioner - the only group member who can ask the teacher or other non-group members questions
- Raconteur - the only member of the group who can explain the group's work to the teacher or other non-group members
- Other roles can be assigned if more than four people in a group - think De Bono's hats
- Complex tasks/questions that require thought and/or multi- step problem solving. E.g. Rather than asking 'If you invest £100 for five years at 3% interest per annum how much would you end up with ' you would ask something more open ended such as 'John and Farida each have £100 to invest. John goes for an account that pays 3% interest annually. Farida puts her money in an account that pays 0.25% per month. Who made the better investment choice?'
- Teacher as facilitator
- Debriefing discussion in which the raconteur from one or more groups explains their group's findings
If you have tried this I would love to hear your experiences ...
