Group Guidelines for Math 6
In September of 2015, my five Math 6 classes developed guidelines for how to work in a group. Classes started with "dos" and "don'ts" of group work, then we merged all classes' lists to come up with guidelines for group work, and finally, every class edited the list and agreed to it. Here is the final result with color to show each class's contribution, or you can see the list of agreements without color below. This list is completely student-created except for the category names and my addition of "Accept polite suggestions graciously," in answer to a "don't" on one class's list.
WORK ETHIC:
Divide work fairly. Everyone participates and works together. Work responsibly and try your best. Have fun together, but be serious when necessary. Be mature and stay on task.
LISTENING TO OTHERS:
Let everybody who wants to speak have a turn. Listen well, with quiet, attentive, and polite body language (for example, eye contact with the speaker when possible).
INCLUDING EVERYONE’S IDEAS:
Communicate clearly. Be respectful of others’ ideas. Take everyone’s ideas into consideration. Participate in polite critique and debate about others’ ideas, finding positive things to say along with negative. Accept polite suggestions graciously. Put many ideas together and compromise to make them better.
ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHER PEOPLE:
Be kind. Be optimistic. Be easy-going. Be agreeable and appreciative. Be patient. Be determined to get it done. Be creative. Be considerate and respectful of everyone and their needs.
ORGANIZATION OF WORK TASKS:
Be organized and practical. Pay attention to directions. Check with everyone if they like an idea before doing it. Consider choosing someone to keep other group members on task. Politely remind others to stay on task if they need it. Give space for people to work alone if they ask to, but request that everyone share ideas in the end.
WORK ETHIC:
Divide work fairly. Everyone participates and works together. Work responsibly and try your best. Have fun together, but be serious when necessary. Be mature and stay on task.
LISTENING TO OTHERS:
Let everybody who wants to speak have a turn. Listen well, with quiet, attentive, and polite body language (for example, eye contact with the speaker when possible).
INCLUDING EVERYONE’S IDEAS:
Communicate clearly. Be respectful of others’ ideas. Take everyone’s ideas into consideration. Participate in polite critique and debate about others’ ideas, finding positive things to say along with negative. Accept polite suggestions graciously. Put many ideas together and compromise to make them better.
ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHER PEOPLE:
Be kind. Be optimistic. Be easy-going. Be agreeable and appreciative. Be patient. Be determined to get it done. Be creative. Be considerate and respectful of everyone and their needs.
ORGANIZATION OF WORK TASKS:
Be organized and practical. Pay attention to directions. Check with everyone if they like an idea before doing it. Consider choosing someone to keep other group members on task. Politely remind others to stay on task if they need it. Give space for people to work alone if they ask to, but request that everyone share ideas in the end.