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Name:

Suzanne Cook
Is about

Date:

September 24, 2013

Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD)

Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD) is a structured cooperative learning strategy that involves students practicing a specific learned skill while working in groups. This model is used after a teacher explains and models the skill.
Main idea Main idea Main idea Main idea

Planning

Implementing

Assessment

Motivation

STAD was developed by Robert Slavin. STAD occurs in four steps: 1.) Planning for whole-group instructionHave a prepared plan for what you want your students to do while in groups. 2.) Organizing Groups- Make sure you organize groups prior to class. Make sure the groups are mixed by ability, race, and gender. Slavin suggests that four students per a group is ideal. 3.)Planning for team study- High quality materials are needed to guide group interactions. Learning objectives are important. The type of materials used can vary. The materials should have convergent answers. 4.)Calculating base scores and improvement points- All students should have equal opportunity for success. Students should be awarded improvement points if they have a score that is higher than the base score (students average from a test or quiz). Two additional points to a test or quiz is helpful. All quizzes will vary in difficulty.

Team study replaces independent practice. Some teacher instruction is required to make sure the transition from whole-group to team study is smooth. Implementing occurs in four phases: 1.) Instruction- Teachers should focus on a specific skill or concept. Teach the skill or concept to the students. When the teacher believes the students understand the new material, then they can move to team study. 2.) Transition to Teams- Make a smooth transition from whole-group to team study. Group work allows students to interact with other students that have different academic abilities and backgrounds. 3.) Team Study- Group work allows students to work together on a specific skill. Students can also give and receive feedback to other group mates. Teachers should monitor team studies but do not intervene unless necessary. 4.) Recognizing Achievement- A teacher should recognize a students achievement. Assessment serves as a function for improvement points and team awards.

Accessing learning occurs in three parts: 1.) Group work and cooperative learning- Make sure the students know the new material and are working together smoothly. 2.) Understanding of content- Provide a lesson that covers the new skill. Problem solving, essays, or multiple choice questions are good ways to see if the students are able to combine the new information together. 3.) Group processes- It is less formal because a teacher cannot give a test or a quiz and it cannot be used for grades. A teacher should see if a student is taking responsibility, listening, sharing ideas, and helping their group. Personal notes, checklists, and rating scales are some ways for accessing learning.

Teachers should encourage students to work with other students that have different backgrounds. All group members should have equal parts in the group. A teacher can emphasize the value of cooperation in a group. Teachers can explain to the students how to interact while in groups-being supportive, listening, asking questions, and focusing on the task. Constant monitoring is a good way to motivate students. Monitoring makes sure students are staying on task and that they understand the skill. Careful planning is necessary for group work. One individual should not be doing all of the work in the group. Teachers should also avoid group grading. Each individual should receive their own grade.

So what? What is important to understand about this?

Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD) is a cooperative learning strategy used to teach students how to work together in groups. It also teaches students that they will each need to take responsibility for their designated task in the group to make sure the work is completed. All students should be recognized for their achievement through improvement points and team awards.