PIES!

It is about that time of year again for some yummy apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie...mmmmmm!  That's not exactly the type of PIE that I am going to introduce you to today!  

PIES is an essential part of the Kagan structures and is helpful when looking at lessons to decide if it is an engaging activity for all students.  Let's start with the basics of what each letter represents!
P=Positive Interdependence
This actually consists of two parts.  First, positive correlation where the success of one student is linked to the success of the other.  The best way to think of this is to think of two mountain climbers.  If one gets a good grip, he can better pull up the other.  When students' outcomes are linked, it encourages achievement and support amongst the students.

Second, interdependence means students are mutually dependent on one another.  Picture two kids who want to build a skateboard.  One has a board and the other has the wheels.  Only if they work together can they reach their goal.  Each student knows and feels they cannot do it alone, but can do things together.
I=Individual Accountability
This occurs when an individual student is held accountable for some public display.  This eliminates the feeling that it is okay to hide and not be involved.  If we are going to gain in achievements for all students, each student must be held individually accountable for his/her own contributions and learning.
E=Equal Participation
If students are actively participating, they are processing the content, and are engaged and learning.  If they do not participate, learning is not guaranteed.  Participation is not voluntary.  Everyone must participate equally.  Again, this eliminates the feeling that it is okay to hide or to hog the conversation.
S=Simultaneous Interaction
If we are having students sequentially responding to questions, where only one student is answering a question.  You are typically only having 1/30th or 3.3% of the class participating at a time.  When you are using a structure like Timed Pair Share, you are having 1/2 or 50% of students participating at one time.  Huh?!?  Would you rather see that 3% or 50% of your students are learning and understanding what has been taught.

By using PIES in your classroom, you are ensuring that your students are cooperatively learning and are truly engaged in their education.  When we go through new structures, try to think about how each of these components fit in.  I also challenge you to look at one of your own lessons and see if you have PIES throughout the lessons.