Social Skills for the Collaborative Classroom

Do you think that social media makes kids more social? Some research has recently surfaced indicating teenagers are spending an average of eight hours a day participating in social media. That is as much as a full time job. However, many teachers would agree that when it comes to face-to-face time in class, many of our pupils lack basic social behavior skills.

More and more we are asking our students to work together and collaborate during class activities and projects. Sometimes this is a success, and sometimes it is an absolute failure. We often forget that basic social skills are not taught in every household and may even differ from culture to culture. This is why it is so important to spend some time with your class focusing on what makes effective collaborative time.

Real-World Application

As teachers, we often get wrapped up in academic content, causing us to put little or no emphasis on social behavior. It is imperative to note that proper social behavior or the establishment of conduct standards can greatly enhance the academic content being retained in the classroom. Not everything that we teach can have real-world application, but teaching basic social skills has the potential to greatly influence productivity in the classroom as well as relationships among peers. I have found that the consistent use of the four L's is a great way for kids to learn and practice appropriate social behavior. 

Productive Partners Use the Four L’s

Whenever we work in groups, I remind everyone to use these four L's as they communicate and collaborate. 

1. Look at your partner – In a world where students are more comfortable staring at a screen than looking someone in the eye, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of eye contact.

2. Lean toward your partner – Body position is very important in letting someone know that they have your attention. This is may sound like an easy requirement, but when working with thirty-five to forty teenagers, it can feel almost impossible.

3. Lower your voice – This not only helps with classroom management, but it fosters appropriate social behavior in your students. Using the appropriate volume is a life skill that lets others know they have your focus and attention.

4. Listen attentively – Communication and collaboration cannot take place unless partners or group members are working together and incorporating each other’s ideas.

Let the Interviews Begin

Most teachers begin the school year with some sort of meet and greet activity. Why not use this opportunity to incorporate the four L’s as a standard to be followed all year? Following a few rounds of direct instruction, all that will be necessary are timely reminders for students to look, lean, lower, and listen.

It cannot be assumed that all of our pupils are learning these basic social skills at home, and knowing them will be greatly beneficial regardless of their future plans. To build on these skills, you can hold mock job interviews, college entrance interviews, or simply include activities during which students learn more about one another. Whatever you plan to use to help your learners practice these skills, remember to keep the focus on being an attentive partner who practices the four L’s.

Additional Resources:

Skills Regardless of Content, Paths for Cooperation, Starting Things Off Right