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After looking at Oakley’s article and applying the main concepts I will be using an 11th grade physical education classroom.

Step 1: Students introduction and unique fact about him/her self. This will be done during the first day of class. Students will be split into small groups to and perform small group activities to build trust and familiarity amongst one another.

Step 2: Class formation of rules and protocols. During the first week of class the students along with the teachers will create rules and protocols for their particular class. Each class member will be asked to contribute to the process as the students and teachers work together.

Step 3: In groups of three students will be assigned to teach the warm-up activity to the class. Students will rotate partners so that they have the opportunity to work with all their classmates. This will take place all of the 1st quarter

Step 4: Group work students will work in small groups to design an brand new game. Students will have the entire second quarter to work on their game. As a culminating activity at the end of the second quarter the students will present their game to the entire grade.

Step 5: Constant reflection by the students will be necessary to understand the dynamic of each group and each student within the group. This will be done throughout the year as a way to allow students to reflect and gain an insight into their groups

Step 6: Content presentations: students will work within their small groups to present an area that was covered during that semester that they found most interesting. This will serve as a review for the class and an opportunity for students to create a formal presentation with different partners at the end of each marking period.

Having students work together can be a very valuable tool within the classroom. When used properly and the dynamics of the classroom are conducive, students can learn a lot from one another. One of the major issues when formulating these assignments and groups within the classroom is having students working out of their comfort zone. This may include new partners, new information, or using presentation methods that are unfamiliar. By addressing differences and stepping out of your given comfort zone students will have the ability to learn from one another while being an equal playing field.

Another major issue is the use of grades within groups. Students when asked to pick there partners usually work with individuals they are comfortable or friends with. This often leads to grades that are inaccurate and often causes students to take advantage of one another. It also is hard for a teacher to grasp if all the students understand the content if they are all receiving A’s for their work. Group work can be extremely beneficial but the proper grading system and grouping system must be put into place in order for it to be effective.