April,
I use small groups a lot in my teaching for many of the reasons you list. They get everyone involved and in addition helps all students to learn how to work with others to solve problems.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I really like this idea when assisting the students with study groups. I really enjoy the Instructional learning style which allows me to place my class in small groups. By doing so I can ask a question and it gives the students the opportunity to discuss the question and come together with a response. It allows them to see the thought process of one another.
Hi Rikita,
Study groups benefit from having a clear plan of action. For example, a particular session may focus on a topic, and the leader may develop some introductory questions that get the students thinking about the topic. Then have the students write down the questions the topic brings up for them on 3x5 cards. Shuffle these, pull them out one by one, and let the students discuss the answers while you guide them from the side toward the best one. This allows the students to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking straight out; it also gives them the opportunity to learn from each other. They may be surprised how much they really know when they discuss it among themselves! Finish with a quick informal assessment to ensure transfer.
