Post on 30-Mar-2015
Fine Tuning the Group Activity Using the 4S Structure
Allison HosierInformation Literacy LibrarianCoastal Carolina UniversityConway, SC
Today’s lesson
We will be learning about the 4S Structure by going through example activities that use this structure.
What is the 4S Structure?
The 4S structure is a piece of Larry Michaelsen’s Team-Based Learning model. It is the recommended structure for collaborative group activities for this model.
The 4S’s can be used as part of Team-Based Learning in a course that meets multiple times or adapted for one-shot sessions.
What does the 4S Structure Look Like?
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
In your teams…
Think about your experience with group work both as an instructor and as a member of a group.
As a group, create a list of: • The top 3 things you LIKE about group work. • The top 3 things you DON’T like about group
work
You will be asked to report your answer.
Results
Like
Dislike
How was the 4S Structure Used?
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Identifying Scholarly Articles
Identifying Scholarly Articles
You have been given the printout for two articles from a library database. They have been labeled “A” and “B.”
One article is from a scholarly, peer-reviewed source. The other is from a non-peer reviewed source.
In your team, decide which you think is the scholarly source based on the information in the printout and what you know about peer-reviewed articles.
How was the 4S Structure Used?
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Why does the 4S Structure work?
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Evaluating Sources
Evaluating Sources
Pretend you are doing research on the September 11 terrorist attacks.
You have been given a printout for a book found in the library’s catalog.
Decide in your teams whether you think this would be a good source for the example research topic.
Give the source a grade based on your evaluation where “A” is the best possible grade and “F” is the worst.
How was the 4S Structure Used
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Copyright Trivia
Copyright Trivia
On the next slide, you will be shown a true/false question related to copyright.
Discuss with your team whether you think the statement shown is true or false.
You will be asked to report your answer.
True or False
• It is possible to copyright an idea.
True or False
• It is possible to copyright an idea.
How was the 4S Structure Used
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Questions?
Allison HosierInformation Literacy Librarian
Coastal Carolina Universityahosier@coastal.edu
http://infolitfinetune.weebly.com/
Questions?
Significant Problems
Same Problems
Specific Choice
Simultaneous Reporting
Selected Resources
• Jacobson, T. E. (2011). Team-based learning in an information literacy course.
Communications In Information Literacy, 5(2), 82-101.
• Michaelsen, Larry K., Arletta Bauman Knight, and L. Dee Fink, eds. Team-
Based Learning: A Transformative Use of Small Groups in College Teaching.
Sterling, VA: Stylus, 2004.
• Parmelee, D. X., & Michaelsen, L. K. (2010). Twelve tips for doing effective team-
based learning. Medical Teacher, 32(2), 118-122.
doi:10.3109/01421590903548562