Day 3: Effective Collaboration Techniques

Learning Objectives

• CRD-1.B: Explain how computing innovations are developed by groups of people.
• CRD-1.C: Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills during collaboration.

Essential Questions

• What techniques make collaboration in computing most effective?
• How can we develop interpersonal skills needed for successful collaboration?

Materials Needed

• Presentation on collaboration tools and models
• Handouts on pair programming techniques
• Conflict resolution scenarios
• Peer evaluation forms
• Sticky notes and chart paper

Vocabulary

• Pair programming
• Driver/Navigator roles
• Consensus building
• Conflict resolution
• Interpersonal skills

Procedure (50 minutes)

Opening (8 minutes)

1. Review and Connection (3 minutes)

   • Review key points from previous lesson on collaboration benefits
   • Connect to today's focus on specific collaboration techniques

2. Quick Write (5 minutes)

   • Prompt: "What makes collaboration effective or ineffective based on your experience?"
   • Students write for 3 minutes, then share key points

Main Activities (35 minutes)

3. Introduction to Collaboration Tools and Models (10 minutes)

   • Present various collaboration models in computing:
     • Pair programming (driver/navigator roles)
     • Agile development teams
     • Open source collaboration
   • Explain tools that support collaboration (version control, communication platforms)

4. Workshop: Interpersonal Skills for Collaboration (15 minutes)

   • Mini-lessons on key interpersonal skills:
     • Active listening (3 minutes)
     • Constructive feedback (3 minutes)
     • Consensus building (3 minutes)
     • Conflict resolution (3 minutes)
   • For each skill, students practice with a partner using guided prompts
   • Brief whole-class discussion after each skill practice

5. Activity: "Sharing and Responding" (10 minutes)

   • Students individually develop questions they would like to answer with data
   • Form groups of 3-4 students
   • Each student shares their question while others practice:
     • Active listening
     • Asking clarifying questions
     • Providing constructive feedback
     • Building on ideas
   • Groups select one question to refine collaboratively

Closing (7 minutes)

6. Peer Evaluation (5 minutes)

   • Students complete peer evaluation forms assessing collaboration skills
   • Self-reflection on personal strengths and areas for improvement

7. Preview Next Lesson (2 minutes)

   • Explain that next class will shift focus to program function and purpose
   • Ask students to think about programs they use daily and their purposes

Assessment

• Formative: Participation in interpersonal skills practice
• Peer Evaluation: Assessment of collaboration skills demonstrated during activities

Differentiation

For Advanced Students

• Assign leadership roles during group activities
• Challenge them to identify and resolve more complex collaboration scenarios

For Struggling Students

• Provide script templates for practicing interpersonal skills
• Allow additional practice time with teacher guidance

Homework/Extension

• Reflect on a past group project and identify what collaboration techniques would have improved the outcome
• Research and prepare a one-page summary of a collaboration tool or technique not discussed in class

Teacher Notes

• Monitor group dynamics during activities to ensure all students participate
• Be prepared to model effective interpersonal skills
• Consider recording examples of effective collaboration to reference in future lessons
• Emphasize that these skills will be essential for the collaborative project at the end of the unit