Group work is always interesting for me. I hate dividing the students into groups myself; it feels like I am teaching third grade or something. Yet if I let the students divide themselves up, the same groups invariably get made. Often, there is a disturbing racial and/or gender homgeneity to the groups. I don't think that's because of any overt prejudice, but rather due to seating patterns and friendships. Still, it would be nice if my students sought out others who were different from them to compose groups, especially on a creative project like this one.

Homgeneous groups or no, the individual group discussions seemed to be going pretty well as I circulated. Students were coming up with some interesting and creative school arrangements, but I wonder how much they will stray from the traditional 9 month, 7 hour/day calendar, or how they will track (or detrack) students based on ability.

They will briefly present their school ideas to the Colony Leader (me) on Thursday. I'm thinking about making this project a more substantial part of my class next semester, so this pilot is important.