Group Work in Grade 9

A great way to start a conversation on group norms is through Sarah Vanderwerf’s 1-100 task. Students are given a 1-100 page with numbers all over it. We estimated how long it would take to circle all the numbers in order. Guesses were from 1 minute to 6 minutes. We put on a timer and started to circle! It took the fastest student about 8.5 minutes, and some were still working at 13 minutes.

Groups of 4 students each with a different marker colour tried the task again. They anticipated it would take less time, but they were pretty surprised when they saw the pattern that emerged. Each person’s numbers were concentrated in a corner, which became visible when the different colours are used.

Groups finished in about 5 minutes this time. Students helped each other find their numbers, and they were able to look ahead and plan for the next number to circle while others took their turn.

We tried the challenge once more, now that the pattern was visible. Groups had the opportunity to strategize, to move furniture, move themselves, make a plan, and it sure worked!

Groups drew outlines on their search quadrant, they were speaking numbers out loud, helping to point out what comes next, and of course, as usually is the case, someone just decided to circle all their numbers NOT in order to be fast. This task allows all kinds of behaviours to be observed! It took most groups 2.5 minutes to complete the task this 3rd time.

We talked through all of the positive group work skills that were demonstrated, and hope to see all term.