Argumentation CPD
The use of envoys is very popular with many teachers, as it provides a way of sharing the outcomes of group work with a wider set of students that is an alternative to whole class presentation. In envoys one member of the group takes the group's decision and arguments for a claim and shares this with another group. He or she finds out what the other group decided and takes back their arguments to the original group for further discussion. In the following videos, the teacher uses envoys for students to take their arguments for fish, amphibian or reptile to another group. Watch the clips and discuss how useful this strategy might be.
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Task Two
Identify an activity and a group work strategy and try this out with your students. Identify the successes of the activity and strategy and areas for development and reflect on these with your colleagues.
Next Steps:
You have now completed envoys, the last section in the Group Work Strategies module. Click the button below to move onto the next unit.
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Video 1 - Using envoys
The teacher uses the envoy strategy in the context of Axolotl. Groups are challenged to brief the envoy about their decision (fish, amphibian or reptile) and their best bit of evidence before moving to a new group. The activity really helps students to focus on justifying their decision, or claim, with evidence.
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Video 2 - Teacher direction
The teacher directs the movement of the envoy and ensures the activity is inclusive by providing a task for the group receiving the envoy.
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Video 3 - Extending envoys
The teacher further develops the use of the envoy strategy in the context of Axolotl. The envoy is dispatched back to the home group to feed back and the teacher uses questioning to support the activity with one group.
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Video 3 - Part two - Extending envoys
The teacher further develops the use of the envoy strategy in the context of Axolotl. The envoy is dispatched back to the home group to feed back and the teacher uses questioning to support the activity with one group.
