National School Reform Faculty

Student CFGs
Date: February 11-23, 2004
Listserv: Coaches

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 12:37 PM
I am interested in learning about how the CFG coaches training might be done with students in the classroom in high schools. My particular theory is that the coaches training provides a learning experience which yields a high level of skill development and knowledge base that makes it possible for individuals to work as a high performing team. I am anxious to explore whether it makes sense to pursue the idea of doing coaches training with students as an integrated part of a school's regular curriculum. My assumption is that high school students need as much help as we adults in learning the skills of working collaboratively, looking at their own and other students work, and empower students to create "safe" learning communities with "shared responsibility" when they are working in small and large groups.

Does anyone know of any research, or have stories to share. Thank you.
Linda, NH

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 8:38 PM
Linda,
We have had some success with students in Miami-Dade County. Believing that a learning community could serve as an ideal context for students to develop and practice leadership skills, we offered a two-day experience for student club leaders from a program known locally as In-School Student Chambers of Commerce. We worked with 100 student club leaders (K-12--5th grade to 12th grade) who attended with their adult faculty sponsors. We grouped them in small seminar groups co-facilitated by local NSRF Coaches. Overall, we learned a lot and students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They enjoyed it so much, that they requested a follow up session this fall focused on planning their club's work for the year.
Best,
Pete, FL

Monday, February 23, 2004 9:57 PM
Hello, Linda and all......
The creation of Critical Friends Groups for students led by a trained CFG Coach might be a good way to start. I read that you asked, Linda, how we might consider a "coaches training for students in the classrooms of high schools." I think the initial experience of being an active participant of a Student CFG would be an invaluable introduction to all you state in your query. The opportunity to learn new communication skills, the development and use of Group Norms, the practice of Protocols and eventually how to facilitate themselves could come directly from their participation.

We have been successful in the establishment of a number of Student Critical Friends Groups and on any number of occasions, it has been the students who suggest to other faculty that like methods be used in their classrooms. It is an intriguing process and demonstrably successful.

We have presented workshops and seminars about Student Critical Friends Groups at our Winter meetings and Fall Forums in the past. If there is enough interest, perhaps we could consider repeating the offering.

Please let me know if this was helpful and if I correctly understood your comments.Regards,
Jan, RI