In an age of cell phones, social media, and texting we are losing active listening and direct conversations. One way to reestablish those connections in classrooms or in groups is to use an increased amount of cooperative learning.
The process may be as simple as Think-Pair-Share or as complex as cooperative learning groups. Both share a goal of keeping direct interactions with others alive.
Think-Pair-Share (T-P-S) is a quick one-to-one conversation with a fellow classmate or discuss the answer to a problem or to share an idea. The group leader poses the comment. Each student takes a turn as listener and as presenter. When the time ends, they present their ideas to the group as well as any shared information or new ideas they generated.
T-P-S allows slower processing students time to think and listen to their partner for ideas that may spur on their own thinking and help them formulate new ideas. It gives a quick thinking student a chance to share initial ideas and may lead to their formulating stronger ideas while working with a partner.
Cooperative Learning Groups are special groups of 3-6 or 8 students created to encourage group problem solving. With the proper guidance, students take on various tasks (organizer, recorder, researcher, model or graphic organizer, presenter, etc.). Students work together through listening to each other and sharing time and tasks as they build to an informal or even formal presentation. While they work they form a mini-community working toward a common goal while developing and using their direct interaction skills. (Google Cooperative Learning for a plethora of directions/ideas/suggestions for using this valuable tool.)