Complex Instruction

What Is It?

Complex Instruction (CI) is a teaching model that uses collaborative groups, multiple intelligences, and positive group experiences while disregarding gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. In teaching how to use collaborative groups to take advantage of diverse intelligences, Complex Instruction addresses the issues of: the nature of group tasks; new roles for persons working in groups; problems of unequal participation in group work; integration of group work and other modes of instruction (such as labs and whole class discussion); and performance assessment in groups.

The CI teacher training program was conducted in 1997/98 and 1998/99.  It consisted of three- or four-day training Institutes, classroom observation and assistance, and one-day, follow-up Summits. Each participant received a complete three-ring binder containing a manual on the theory and practice of Complex Instruction, all supplies needed to develop skill-builders activities, and master copies for implementing the norms and roles of the Complex Instruction model. Workshop participants received professional development in three areas: implementation of effective solutions for student status equity problems in self-contained and mainstream classrooms; assignment of status competence to students; and development of institutional planning for equitable learning environments.

 
Who Participated and When?

Grants from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) provided Complex Instruction training and on-site technical assistance for 41 middle school mathematics and science teachers in 1997/98 and 1998/99. These participants were from 23 schools across 12 counties.

Most recently the 1998/99 Complex Instruction Institute was held in Lexington July 13-16, 1998, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Twenty-one participants were selected for the 1998/99 class, with a waiting list of over 40 additional names. To receive stipends and reimbursement for expenses, participants signed a contract in which they agreed to apply Complex Instruction in their classrooms and to attend a one-day Summit in spring 1999 to share their experiences. Teachers were observed and received on-site assistance throughout spring 1999. The 1999 Summit was held June 5 with eight participants able to return for the follow-up, although several others had actually implemented CI.

The 1997/98 class consisted of 20 individuals who participated in a three- or four-day Institute either in March or June 1997. Ten of these participants were able to return for the one-day, follow-up Summit held in Lexington on July 17, 1998, to share their experiences in applying Complex Instruction throughout the previous year. This class also received site visits throughout the year from CI-trained personnel who observed and provided on-site assistance. [A complete list of all participants is attached.]

How Did They Like It?  

All training Institutes were highly rated by participants. The 1998 Institute received an overall evaluation of 4.99 on a 5.0 Likert scale. Participants were especially appreciative of the opportunity for hands-on involvement, simulation experiences, group interactions, and curriculum development.

Research Findings 

Program Observations. Two types of observations are integral to the CI program. Whole Class Observations assess the percentage of collaborative interaction engaged in by the students during an assigned CI task. Teacher Observations evaluate teacher behavior in the application of two status treatments that identify and utilize students' multiple abilities and foster higher order thinking and inclusive learning environments. This process measures teachers' progress in changing the classroom climate to one of inclusion such that student status and learning style do not preclude learning and instruction.

It should be noted that teachers began using CI in their instruction at their own pace. This flexibility allows for a more effective infusion into any K-16 curriculum. Depending on teachers' and students' needs, an extensive use of introductory tasks called Skill-builders may be required and used, while other teachers may move rapidly from Skill-builders into content infusion.

In 1997/98 observations were conducted by CI trainers at five sites in three counties: Madison, Fayette, and Washington. Nine teachers were observed at seven different sites in Knox, Madison and Hopkins counties in 1998/99. Key results of both the whole class and the teacher observations conducted in 1998/99 are provided below. Although the number of observations per teacher varied, the attached chart compares the initial visit to the final visit for each teacher. It is critical to note that these data are preliminary; growth as CI teachers is on-going and improves over time. Charts summarizing results for both 1997/98 and 1998/99 are included at the end of this report.

Whole Class Observations -- Key Results

  • As the use of Talk and Manipulatives category increased, the reading/writing category decreased indicating that as the collaboration among learners increased the status issues decreased in the course of the group talking and manipulating materials.
  • Improved classroom management was evident with all teachers’ percentage averages below 15% for ‘Disengaged.’
  • Six of the nine teachers met and surpassed the target percentage goals for behaviors that foster collaboration by the final observation.

Teacher Observations -- Key Results

  • All nine teachers show inconsistency in the categories of Multiple Abilities and Assignment of Competence. This is an indicator that these areas need support.
  • Though these data are not conclusive, they are surprisingly strong given that most of the teachers were in their initial months of using CI tasks.

The trainers submitted a final report on the 1998/99 CI class in which they reported that they were pleased with preliminary teacher accomplishments and that the teachers have the potential to become expert CI evaluators for their schools. The report also stressed that educators need to realize that establishing a cooperative learning program requires continued follow-up to ensure that both teachers and students do not "burn out" on these new techniques. The report recommends that future teachers selected for the Institute should foster strong management potential and be willing to implement the strategies with close follow-up supervision for one year. Additional comments are summarized below:

  • Program Flexibility. Flexibility in starting time is a strength of the CI method. Some teachers and students may need extensive use of introductory tasks, or skill-builders, while others will move rapidly from skill-builders to content fusion.
  • Problem Areas for Teachers. Teachers need opportunities to use and perfect the two status treatments: multiple abilities (which focuses on cognitive abilities) and assignment of competence (requires the teacher to notice the good things that problematic students do, giving specific and public feedback to the student and to understand status processes in the classroom). Learning to "delegate authority" and not feel they are losing control of the classroom is another difficult area for teachers.
  • Additional Teacher Support. CI instruction will require more organizational support for teachers than they usually receive. It is recommended that principals assist teachers with the preparation and storage of CI materials. (It was noted that CI requires curricular materials that are different from those used in traditional classroom instruction.) Principals could also coordinate personnel and meeting times for teaching teams.
  • Program Expansion. The class/teacher observations and the Summit provided opportunities to discuss some of the issues and to network. Teachers repeatedly voiced their belief that CI provides the curriculum and instructional framework that can help all students succeed. They are eager to expand CI and to strengthen district capabilities.

Program Funding 

CI costs were underwritten by grants from the KDE Eisenhower Program. A stipend was awarded to each participant who attended a full multi-day Institute, committed to using the model in his/her classroom, and returned for a one-day, follow-up Summit the following spring. These funds covered the costs for all seminar materials, meals, travel and lodging for 21 participants in the 1998/99 class and 20 participants in the 1997/98 class. Each class member received an additional stipend for his/her participation in the one-day, follow-up Summit. KSTC staff provided all administrative services, fiscal accounting and final project reporting to KDE.

About the Trainers

Two CI-trained program faculty provided the instruction for both classes: Dr. Deneese Jones, Associate Professor College of Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky and Dr. Karen Webb, Dean College of Education, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Support instructors and/or research assistants included Bessie Guerrant, Laura Fox, Sherry Powers, Claude Christian and Todd Savage.

About the Sponsors

The Partnership for Initiatives in Science and Mathematics (PRISM), a partnership between the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation was pleased to sponsor this program in Kentucky based on a model used at Stanford University. The PRISM Equity Initiative researched various models and found Complex Instruction to be one of the proven models that can improve student academic achievement for all students. Support from the KDE Eisenhower Program has allowed PRISM to develop and continue this program for Kentucky teachers of mathematics, science, and technology.

Contact Person

For more information contact Joanne Lang at Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, ph: 606.233.3502 ext 236 or 228, or e-mail: jlang@kstc.org.

For more information on the research findings, contact Deneese Jones at University of Kentucky at 606.257.4555 or email dljone01@pop.uky.edu


Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation

Complex Instruction Participants

1997/1998 and 1998/1999

Names

Schools

Dates

Districts

Casey, Elberta

Crawford Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Fayette County

Crum, Richard

Washington Co. Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Washington Co.

Ellis, Peggy

Lee County Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Lee County

Gabhart, Patricia

Washington Co. Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Washington Co.

Hamilton, Curtis

Washington Co. Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Washington Co.

Jewell, Darlene

Crawford Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Fayette County

Kelly, Dawn

Crawford Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Fayette County

Salone, Bernadette

Crawford Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Fayette County

Sipple, Alice

Lee County Middle School

3/27-3/29/97

Lee County

Buckner, John

Georgetown Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Scott County

Burke, Steve

Georgetown Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Scott County

Chi, Ronald

Winburn Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

Combs, Tammy

Foley Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Madison County

Cook, Sandra

Northern Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

Greene, William

Winburn Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

Nichols, Teresa

Northern Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

Sledd, David

Georgetown Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Scott County

Stayton, Lisa

Winburn Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

Wiseman, Greg

Foley Middle School

6/9/-6/11/97

Madison County

Yeager, Patricia

Northern Middle School

6/9-6/11/97

Fayette County

       

Broughton, Kay

Dewitt Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Carpenter, Debbie

Berea Community Elementary

7/13-7/16/98

Madison County

Cessna, Martha

Crittenden Co. Middle

7/13-7/16/98

Crittenden Co.

Davis, Deborah L.

Girdler Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Dunaway, Selina

Girdler Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Gray, Kathy

Flat Lick Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Hamlin, Lawanna

Education Center

7/13-7/16/98

McCreary County

Hampton, Sharon

Artemus Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Johnson, Donna Sue

Virgie Middle School

7/13-7/16/98

Pike County

Kash, Michael

Rowan Co. Middle School

7/13-7/16/98

Rowan County

Kennon, Rebecca

Pikeville High School

7/13-7/16/98

Pike County

Kirk, Jeanne W.

Crittenden Co. Middle

7/13-7/16/98

Crittenden Co.

Leddington, Patricia

Artemus Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Martin, Tanya

Browning Springs Middle

7/13-7/16/98

Hopkins County

Miller, Robert J

Eastern KY University

7/13-7/16/98

Madison County

Miracle, Lori B.

Knox Central High School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Ortega, Shelia

J.D. Adams Middle School

7/13-7/16/98

Floyd County

Savage, Todd

University of Kentucky

7/13-7/16/98

Fayette County

Spears, Jane K

Browning Springs Middle

7/13-7/16/98

Hopkins County

Walker, Sharon

Dewitt Elementary School

7/13-7/16/98

Knox County

Wallace, Pat

Bryan Station High School

7/13-7/16/98

Fayette County


Results of Whole Class Observations and Teacher Observations

Initial and Final Observations Collected for Teachers (T) at Five Sites During 1997/98

WHOLE CLASS OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES

Goal  (%)

T1 Initial Visit (%) T1 Final Visit (%) T2 Initial Visit (%) T2 Final Visit (%) T3 Initial Visit (%) T3 Final Visit (%) T4 Initial Visit (%) T4 Final Visit (%) T5 Initial Visit (%) T5 Final Visit (%)
Talk/Talk Manipulate Materials 35.0 (min) 0.0 0.0 19.5 41.0 27.0 37.0 22.6 35.0 22.5 29.0
Manipulate Materials Only 10.0 69.0 69.0 11.1 59.0 48.4 44.0 33.0 30.0 0.0 0.0
Read/Write Materials 14.0 0.0 0.0 10.8 34.0 42.5 22.0 25.6 22.0 6.0 6.0
Look/Listen   31.5 13.0 21.9 7.0 23.2 13.0 12.0 18.0 66.5 58
Disengagement 15 .0 (max) 0.0 0.0 6.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.6 0.0 2.0 4.0
Waiting for Adult   0.0 0.0 1.6 0.0 2.0 13.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0

TEACHER OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES



Description

T2 Initial Visit (%) T2 Final Visit (%) T3 Initial Visit (%) T3 Final Visit (%) T4 Initial Visit (%) T4 Final Visit (%) T5 Initial Visit (%) T5 Final Visit (%)
Facilitates students' work Teachers become a resource during CI task rather than "rescue" students by telling them what to do to complete task 3.0 11.0 24.0 26.0 18.0 26.0 5.0 29.0
Disciplines Teachers discipline less than 15% 0.0 0.0 13.3 0.0 2.2 0.0 7.0 3.0
Informs/Instructs/ Defines Teachers give appropriate feedback to groups 7.0 7.0 7.0 15.0 7.4 16.0 3.0 8.0
Asks factual questions Teachers debrief the collaborative groups at the end of the lesson by making sure they learned essential information 2.0 7.0 19.0 20.5 11.0 31.0 17.0 21.0
Stimulates higher order thinking Teachers raise frequency of asking students higher order thinking questions 19.0 21.0 4.0 11.2 5.0 16.0 0.0 2.0
Makes connections Teachers assist students in relating or applying information 0.0 2.0 3.5 11.0 10.6 23.0 2.6 11.0
Gives specific feedback Teachers offer information to students in group settings 2.0 7.0 11.0 19.0 4.0 19.0 21.0 29.0
Talks about multiple abilities Teachers give multiple abilities treatment 11.0 21.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 12.0 0.0 6.0
Assigns competence Teachers instill confidence in their students various abilities 0.0 6.0 3.5 8.0 3.0 7.0 6.0 11.0
Talks about roles Teachers discuss collaborative group roles with students 18.0 21.0 0.0 6.0 3.0 11.0 4.0 14.0
Talks about cooperative norms Teachers discuss behavior norms engendered by CI tasks 2.0 7.0 0.0 13.0 1.0 11.0 4.0 3.0

Results of Whole Class Observations

Initial and Final Observations Collected for Nine Teachers (T) During 1998/99

 

WHOLE CLASS OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES

 

Description

 

Goal (%)

T1 Initial Visit (%)

T1 Final Visit (%)

T2 Initial Visit (%)

T2 Final Visit (%)

T3 Initial Visit (%)

T3 Final Visit (%)

T4 Initial Visit (%)

T4 Final Visit (%)

T5 Initial Visit (%)

T5 Final Visit (%)

Talk/Talk Manipulate Materials

Students are talking to each other about the task; group is working with task materials.

35

 (min.)

34.5

16.0

14.0

28.5

34.8

16.5

21.6

72.0

82.8

100.0

Manipulate Materials Only

Students are working together using the materials.

10.0

0.0

2.5

0.0

36.0

24.2

24.5

9.4

6.0

3.6

0.0

Read/Write Materials

Students are reading directions or enrichment materials.

14.0

22.0

71.0

69.0

19.0

13.8

0.0

44.0

16.0

2.8

0.0

Look/Listen

Activities which are not interactive and do not promote collaboration.

 

44.0

11.0

16.5

17.0

3.4

55.0

7.4

3.0

3.6

0.0

Disengagement

15 .0

(max.)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

4

0.0

0.0

3.0

5.8

0.0

Waiting for Adult

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1.4

0.0

 

WHOLE CLASS OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES

 

Description

Goal (%)

T6   Initial Visit     (%)

T6              Final        Visit  (%)

T7 Initial Visit (%)

T8&9 Initial Visit (%)

T8 Final Visit (%)

T9  Final  Visit   (%)

Ave. Range 98/99 (%)

Ave. Range 97/99 (%)

Talk/Talk Manipulate Materials

Students are talking to each other about the task; group is working with task materials.

35.0

(min.)

28.0

36.0

43.0

30.4

51.7

15.0

33.7

 

Manipulate Materials Only

Students are working together using the materials.

10.0

14.0

0.0

39.3

0.0

0.0

63.0

 

 

Read/Write Materials

Students are reading directions or enrichment materials.

14.0

39.0

23.5

0.0

9.6

9.3

0.0

 

 

Look/Listen

Activities which are not inter-active and do not promote collaboration.

 

19.5

40.5

17.3

58.0

18.3

9.5

 

 

Disengagement

15 .0

(max.)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.4

21.0

11.5

 

 

Waiting for Adult

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

2.0

0.0

0.0

 

 

 

Results of Teacher Observations

Initial and Final Observations Collected for Nine Teachers (T) During 1998/99

 

TEACHER OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES



Description

T1 Initial Visit (%)

T1 Final Visit (%)

T2 Initial Visit (%)

T2 Final Visit (%)

T3 Initial Visit (%)

T3 Final Visit (%)

T4 Initial Visit (%)

T4 Final Visit (%)

Facilitates students' work

Teachers become a resource during CI task rather than "rescue" students by telling them what to do to complete task

24.0

9.7

11.5

11.0

17.5

24.5

41.5

23.5

Disciplines

Teachers discipline less than 15%

7.0

1.7

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Informs/Instructs/ Defines

Teachers give appropriate feedback to groups

21.0

11.7

11.0

3.5

12.0

4.5

18.5

11.0

Asks factual questions

Teachers debrief the collaborative groups at the end of the lesson by making sure they learned essential information

7.5

14.0

26.0

18.0

17.5

12.0

13.0

5.0

Stimulates higher order thinking

Teachers raise frequency of asking students higher order thinking questions

15.5

16.0

10.0

10.5

9.0

4.5

3.0

7.5

Makes connections

Teachers assist students in relating or applying information

9.0

11.7

6.5

12.5

2.5

2.0

3.0

2.5

Gives specific feedback

Teachers offer information to students in group settings

15.5

12.0

16.5

18.0

0.0

13.5

3.0

0.0

Talks about multiple abilities

Teachers give multiple abilities treatment

3.0

4.3

0.0

3.5

17.0

14.0

0.0

9.0

Assigns competence

Teachers instill confidence in their students various abilities

0.0

4.0

8.5

7.0

5.5

12.0

14.0

7.5

Talks about roles

Teachers discuss collaborative group roles with students

0.0

8.0

6.5

5.5

12.0

9.0

17.0

16.0

Talks about cooperative norms

Teachers discuss behavior norms engendered by CI tasks

14.0

7.7

3.5

9.0

6.5

6.5

17.0

13.5

 


 

TEACHER OBSERVATIONS CATEGORIES



Description

T5 Initial Visit (%)

T5 Final Visit (%)

T6 Initial Visit (%)

T6 Final Visit (%)

T7 Initial Visit (%)

T8&9 Final Visit (%)

T8 Initial Visit (%)

T9 Final Visit (%)

Facilitates students' work

Teachers become a resource during CI task rather than "rescue" students by telling them what to do to complete task

22.0

13.5

4.5

8.5

18.0

9.0

10.0

18.0

Disciplines

Teachers discipline less than 15%

4.0

0.0

12.0

12.0

14.0

0.0

73.5

29.0

Informs/Instructs/ Defines

Teachers give appropriate feedback to groups

19.0

11.5

2.5

2.5

15.0

30.0

6.5

10.0

Asks factual questions

Teachers debrief the collaborative groups at the end of the lesson by making sure they learned essential information

22.0

26.5

11.5

16.5

12.0

22.5

3.5

7.5

Stimulates higher order thinking

Teachers raise frequency of asking students higher order thinking questions

4.0

4.0

12.5

11.0

5.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Makes connections

Teachers assist students in relating or applying information

4.0

4.0

3.5

10.0

5.0

5.0

0.0

0.0

Gives specific feedback

Teachers offer information to students in group settings

4.0

0.0

15.0

16.5

15.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

Talks about multiple abilities

Teachers give multiple abilities treatment

7.0

2.0

2.5

2.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

11.5

Assigns competence

Teachers instill confidence in their students various abilities

0.0

0.0

12.5

8.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Talks about roles

Teachers discuss collaborative group roles with students

7.0

17.0

10.5

5.5

0.0

34.0

0.0

0.0

Talks about cooperative norms

Teachers discuss behavior norms engendered by CI tasks

7.0

21.5

11.5

7.5

15.5

0.0

6.5

3.5

 


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