ERIC Number: EJ1117094
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 33
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0034-0502
EISSN: N/A
Making Meaning with Friends: Exploring the Function, Direction and Tone of Small Group Discussions of Literature in Elementary School Classrooms
Peterson, Katie
Reading Horizons, v55 n3 Article 2 p29-61 2016
The merits of decentralized small groups has been questioned in literature and by practicing teachers; thus this study shows the academic and identity work children do as they attempt to make meaning in these spaces. This study explores the affordances and drawbacks of decentralized small group discussion contexts in a multiage (3rd/4th) grade classroom. Practical and theoretical implications from the data suggest that decentralized small groups are valuable in a variety of ways, but children need to be guided in developing effective interactional styles. Data were analyzed using a combination of constant comparative methods and a micro analysis of talk drawing on traditions of sociolinguistics.
Descriptors: Elementary Education, Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Grade 4, Small Group Instruction, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Group Discussion, Teaching Methods, Comparative Analysis, Sociolinguistics, Literature, Reader Response, Case Studies, Language Arts, Clubs, Video Technology, Audio Equipment, Reading Comprehension, Social Influences
Western Michigan University, College of Education. 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Tel: 269-387-3498; Fax: 269-387-6272; Web site: http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A