WPPS > Student Wellbeing > TRIBES

TRIBES

WHAT IS TRIBES?

Tribes is a way of working with others to build a positive environment that promotes children’s learning and their social and emotional well being.

The Tribes process not only establishes a caring environment for cooperative learning but provides structures for children and teachers to interact positively with each other. Throughout the process children learn to use collaborative skills and to reflect both on the communication and the learning that is taking place.

In Tribes there are four agreements which the group use.

• Attentive listening – paying close attention to one another’s expression of ideas, opinions and feelings
• Appreciation - treating others kindly, stating appreciation for unique qualities, gifts, skills and contributions
• Mutual Respect – to treat others as you would like to be treated and offer feedback that encourages growth
• Right To Pass – to have the right observe quietly if not participating actively but remembering that we get out of an activity what we put into it.

Tribes activities can be adapted to be a part of any lesson whether it be Literacy, Numeracy, SOSE or the specialist areas. Using reflection time, appreciation statements, cooperative learning activities or ‘energisers’ to keep concentration levels up are all part of the Tribes process. Inclusion activities are used extensively at the beginning of a school year to ensure that children know each other well and build bonds of friendship and respect.

There have been many research projects which have looked at what helps children learn and supports their positive well being. Many of the processes and philosophy of Tribes support the outcomes of this research. For example –

Research Outcome	Tribes Process
It has been proven that asking children to reflect on their learning improves retention of knowledge	Reflection is an important part of the Tribes process. Children are asked to not only reflect on what they have learnt, but also on how they feel about the activity, how the agreements were kept what they learnt about themselves as learners
Research has shown that children who work in co-operative groups have improved learning outcomes and better retention of information. The business sector also cites the ability to work as part of a team as an extremely important skill.	In Tribes, children learn to use collaborative skills and to interact positively with others. They develop the important skill of listening attentively, showing respect and appreciation for others.
One of the most consistent findings of the research into children’s learning has been that enhanced relationships lead to improved student learning outcomes.	The Tribes process is designed to build caring and supportive relationships. The 4 Tribes agreements support and strengthen these relationships and the activities provide structures and opportunities for children to interact positively and develop these skills.

Copyright © 2007, Wonga Park Primary School, All rights reserved
Phone: (03) 9722 1325
Email: wonga.park.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au