Students ‘Do’ - how Kagan helps
The New Zealand curriculum emphasises a holistic and comprehensive approach to learning, focusing deeply on real-world connections and the development of essential key competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. It also has two key student objectives actions - know and do.
Kagan provides practical strategies for teachers to use when having students ‘do’ something. This could be as simple as sharing, writing, or drawing, or require more complex actions such as analysing, evaluating, comparing, questioning, discussing, justifying, or presenting.
Kagan strategies such as Timed-Pair-Share, Numbered Heads Together, and Quiz-Quiz-Trade fulfil different academic functions as well as facilitating effective collaboration among students, ensuring that they not only acquire knowledge but also learn to value and appreciate the meaningful contributions of their peers. This collaborative spirit aligns perfectly with the new curriculum's vision of nurturing responsible, competent, and engaged learners.
Furthermore, Kagan’s unwavering focus on equitable participation ensures that all students, regardless of their background, experience, or ability level, are included in the learning process. This strong commitment to fostering engagement and cooperation not only supports academic achievement but also cultivates a robust sense of community within the classroom, aligning seamlessly with the overarching goals of the new curriculum.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures align seamlessly with the key objectives of the New Zealand curriculum, but also build essential social skills, preparing students for future challenges. Through the implementation of Kagan strategies, educators can create a dynamic classroom environment that nurtures inclusivity, creativity, and critical thinking, ultimately supporting each student in achieving their personal best. In short, Kagan is the ‘how’ of teaching and the ‘do’ for learners.
In the images below from left:
Quiz-Quiz-Trade (Knowledge Building), RallyRobin (Processing, Thinking), Numbered-Heads-Together (Processing, Thinking)
