Spring 2026 ASPIRE Semester 2, Course 12: Grouping & Collaborative Learning

Spring 2026 ASPIRE Semester 2, Course 12: Grouping and Collaborative Learning
January 20th, 2026

This course examines what collaborative learning is, how to structure flexible, purposeful, and random groupings (e.g., activity-based, class session, workshop, or project) to engage all students meaningfully, and how to connect grouping choices to learning objectives while monitoring participation. Educators will learn effective formative and summative assessment strategies for group work and explore practical collaborative methods such as jigsaw, mixed vs. homogeneous grouping, and cueing. The course emphasizes fostering equitable learning environments that support multiple intelligences, diverse learning styles, multilingual learners, and students with ability differences. Candidates will also learn to implement developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) in group guidance and classroom management.

ELIGIBILITY:

Only candidates who have: 1) earned a CE or Limited CE, 2) successfully completed the 50-Hour Pre-Professional Component, and 3) are currently employed as a full-time teacher of record are eligible to enroll.

NOTE: EACH applicant must complete the Google form as part of their official entrance into the ASPIRE to Teach program. ASPIRE to Teach is required to collect student identification information that corresponds with the applicant’s NJDOE professional account (via NJEdCert). This information must be completed for initial registration by each applicant.  

PLEASE ONLY COMPLETE THIS FORM ONE TIME FOR YOUR FIRST COURSE in the ASPIRE  program, NOT at every course. Link

The ASPIRE to Teach experience:

ASPIRE to Teach offers an online program experience with an assigned ASPIRE Lead Instructor (ALI) who is a veteran educator and provides guidance, direction, and feedback in each course. During Fall and Spring terms, ASPIRE candidates also participate in with Professional Learning Community (PLC) Saturday Sessions (8:30am-1:30pm) that occur twice each term (2 PLCs in Fall, 2 PLCs in Spring). During the Summer terms, there are no PLC Saturday Sessions (alternate assignments replace the PLC content).

ASPIRE to Teach focuses on Universal Design for Learning, High-Leverage Practices, and Relationship-Driven Instruction. ASPIRE Lead Instructors (ALIs) support candidates in meeting the New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers through online learning experiences, video coaching, PLC meetings, and personalized support.

Dates

January 20th, 2026

Pricing

$400.00

Refunds

Typically no refunds are allowed. For inquiries, please contact the ASPIRE to Teach administrative team, aspiretoteach@rowan.edu.

Have Questions?

Contact The ASPIRE to Teach administrative team, aspiretoteach@rowan.edu.