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These are just a few notes related to various materials across
subject mater, that I want to track for possible opening week
activites for my class:

1) Even if it would be impossible to jump right into collaborative/coop learning, when I start teaching math,

here are some ideas, and links to reflect on:

1) Great intro article at:
http://www.co-operation.org/pages/overviewpaper.html

2) Suppose I just open with some coop activities:

1) Determine pre-class assumptions on
i) smartest
ii) most challenged
iii) Average

Both in ability, as well as motivated, dedicated and not motivated/dedicated.

Then have eash student rank themself on each, somewhere
above ave, somewhere near top ( top, top-4, etc) or
bottom, bottom+4, etc.

In such a way that they keep the two entries separate.

Preload with IMPORTANCE OF ANONIMITY both for self, and
those mentioned. Use it in the context of math as a
gatekeeper class.

Lesson is around math classes as gate keepers

2) Second part of excercise is to break into groups of 4, and
assign various parts of first 2 weeks of lessons to each
group. Identify tasks such as:
reader, recorder, checker of understanding, encourager of participation, and elaborator of knowledge.

3) Have each group decide how to learn the material, and teach themselves. Provide tape recorders to record conversations.

4) At the end of 20 minutes, have 1 person from each group
discuss the subject matter, what they think is important, and
the steps involved with one example. Also have them create a
list of important terms to know (definitions). Have them choose
1 problem from the section to assign as homework.

Quiz at the end of the week. 50% on how well you do, 50% on how
well others do on your section.

Each group will have 5 minutes per day for the rest of the week
to teach their section.