Organizing Student Learning Groups
THE STUDENTS CAN SHARE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW AND SOMETIMES THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT BETTER FROM ANOTHER STUDENT
students are more relaxed and able to perform better.
I have experienced positive outcomes with student interaction by grouping students by subject matter topic. Often I handout the same medical record copy to several students in one group and have each member in the individuyal group present how they see their unique patient information.
When teaching material that is often over students heads, it's good to get them together to encourage each other and offer different perspectives. I offer a "feng shui" project that helps them to make their learning environment more serene and allows their minds to relax open entering the lab.
I was lucky to attend a Socratic Learning Facilitator course aet John Hopkins University. We learned to play to strengths in the group and ask leading questions to engage hesitant students. If everyone has read the assignemnt prior to class, a group discussion can be very beneficuial. Each Individual brings their perspective from the readings and had keyed on different items in the assignments. Each adds to the whole, creating a sum greater than the abilit of even the most skilled instructor's capability. The more diverse the group, the more learning takes place, and at a higher level on Bloom's Taxonomy than achieveable by any lecture. I learned that particapatioon by all is more important than any artificial grouping of person's in the group. Diversity is often acheived not by stereotypes, but by enthusiastic learners engaging each other.
Hi Sara! Excellent point! Teams develop leaders -it is so workplace relevant!
Thanks,
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Lisa! It can be typical, as you know, for groups both in class and in the workplace. Some instructors have each group draft a member contract that clearly defines ground rules, the team's expected outcome, and the individual members' roles and responsibilities, and attach a percentage of the grade accordingly.
Thanks for your post!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Lisa!
Sometimes, as a short activity, I have had students in a learning group take a topic or portion of the lecture or presentation and then re-present it, as a team, in their own way - it's amazing what students will come up with - a paraphrase, examples of their own, an activity for the whole class, a role play, skit, demonstration or application. Yes, it takes more time, but it can be an effective way to help ensure that more students comprehend and can apply the subject-at-hand.
Thanks for your comments,
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I had one bad experience in that the group I was placed in were mostly non-participant types. Me and another individual had to carry the load and even expressed our frustations to the instructor. I am sure in the end it all balanced out but it was just the sheer frustations in getting things done.
It is sometimes easier for them to tackle a project in a group setting because you have those that can grasp concepts easier and in return relay them to those that do not understand. I also tend to deliver material one way so it is interesting to see how they perceive it and can relate it to something everyone can understand. I will take notes and remember to use the concept next time I teach that section.
What are some of the educational outcomes you have experienced through the use of student learning groups?
I have seen quieter students take on more of a leadership role. They have an opportunity to practice being a manager and they learn what it's like to be held accountable by more than just the instructor.
I've also seen some of the louder, more domineering students learn to take a back seat, or at least calm down a little, so that everyone in the group can participate.
I usually get a lot of opposition to group work, but I remind the students that there's more to be learned than just the task at hand. I believe that in group work, leaders develop! That usually sells them on the idea.
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for your comments! As you note, teamwork not only focuses students on a common goal and expected outcome, but gives them a chance to experience diversity first-hand.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
What are some of the educational outcomes you have experienced through the use of student learning groups?
Learning groups are a wonderful aspect of teaching. In most of my projects students will thrive off one another and are very open to other experiences. It is great to see students working together to help one another. Employers are looking for team players and I think learning groups help students develop strong team playing skills.
I like to utilitze groups and by having them do discussions, role playing, and research projects.
When I have a group do a research project, each member has to participate in the project. Students receive an individual grade and a group grade. I feel teaming the shy, slower student with the confident, outgoing students, shows and builds teamwork. The groups grade is only a portion of the overall grade.
I have learned that students learn better if they are able to learn from each other. Gives them to confidence to stand up and use their public speaking skills, and grow as individuals.
I have found through using learning groups the students are more engaged and learn better. I often use groups to break up large sections of content and have the groups work on specific sections. I give them guidelines to help them focus their efforts and then watch the magic happen. The groups often surprise me with their exploration of the material and their creativity in teaching the material to the other groups.
The sharing of ideas and different perspectives helps to expand student thinking about a topic. Using group work in the classroom demonstrates the value of joining a study or learning group outside of the classroom.
Jay,
One of the biggest changes is the idea of the "Strategic Corporal" which refers to the reality on the contemporary battlefield that even relatively junior leaders need to exercise judgment. Given the dynamic environment where we are trying to persuade the host-nation population to support us, the cost of a tactical mistake, such as civilian casualties or even property damage, can be huge. Helping them understand the impact of their decisions strategically starts in the classroom. Case studies and role-playing are excellent tools to give them the opportunity to apply doctrinal principles and concepts in an operational setting before they get to the battlefield.
Another related development is incorporating senior enlisted leaders into the operational planning process which has historically been done by mid-grade or senior officers. Thankfully we have a wealth of intelligent and experienced men and women to carry the ball. Of course is also challenges us as educators to be on the top of our game.
Enjoyed the course. Thanks for your comments.
As a general rule, the faster students can help the slower students understand the concepts given. This may backfire if the faster students get frustrated by carrying the others along and may tend to leave them out of the information loop. Monitoring the groups, walking around and observing, can help prevent this.
