PODS (Performance Organizational Design Systems) is a classroom management system that uses cooperative learning groups. Students are placed into learning groups that stay together for an extended period. They are accountable to each other and earn points for behaviors like completing homework and participating in class. The entire group cannot turn in assignments until all students have finished. This encourages students to help each other succeed. PODS transforms the teacher into a facilitator and puts students in control of their own behavior and that of their group.

1. Using PODS To Create a Democratic Classroom Heidi Minnier EDIM 510

2. What are PODS? P erformance O rganizational D esign S ystems Basically a classroom management system Uses a cooperative literacy approach http://www.flickr.com/photos/phelyan/2281095105/

3. How do PODS compare? Traditional Cooperative Learning Groups change regularly Students are held accountable to the teacher Students earn a grade for their work Cooperative Learning with PODS Same groups for extended period of time (4-6 weeks) Students are held accountable to each other Students earn points for specific classroom behaviors

4. How does this strategy work? Students earn points for the following: Being present in class Arriving on time Completing homework Being prepared Participating in daily assignments Following expected behavior www.discoveryeducation.com

5. How are students accountable? The entire group cannot turn in an assignment until all students in the group have completed it. Bonus points can be given for Appropriate behavior Cleaning up work area Encouraging one another http://www.flickr.com/photos/adam_holloway/254561650/

6. What are the effects? The students: Encourage one another to complete homework Come to class prepared Work together to get the job done The teacher: Becomes a facilitator Puts the students in control of their own behavior and the behavior of their group-mates http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlhamcollege/4777275773/

7. What problems might occur? Time and flexibility is needed Preparing for PODS is time-consuming Students need time to get accustomed Students who just don’t care negatively impact the group Classroom can be noisy http :// www . flickr.com/photos/duck/77660245/

8. Citations Carnardo. (2005). Time is fleeting [image]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/duck/77660245/ Discovery Education. (2011). Textbooks [Clip Art]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com Earlham College. (2010). Engaging in classroom discussion [image]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/earlhamcollege/4777275773/ Holloway, A. (2006). Bonus [image]. Retrieved from http://www. flickr .com/photos/ adam _ holloway /254561650 / Sanjoin, P. (2008). Classroom [image]. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/phelyan/2281095105