groups
It is very important that all the students get involved, individual groups do make a considerable difference in what the students wiil come away with
When doing group work I think it is important to have the students grade each other, and then provide a grade for the group based on the outcome of their project.
I experienced the power of student input when I was assigned a group exercise. It was evident that shy students feel "safe" giving ideas and commentary. The example in this module of assining topics within the group is a way to stimulate both expressing and receiving new topic related material. I can also see the import of not changing group members once assigned. Team building, as in a learning group, is a powerful tool of confidence.
If they understand that will be graded on time and how they work to gather they work in a timely manor
I agree that it helps students understand the value of teamwork. I also feel that it will prepare them for the true work environment when they are paired up with colleagues to perform job related tasks.
I use informal groups a lot in my Comp I class to allow for the different learning styles. Often it is grammar related so they help each other figure out what is the subject and verb in a group of sentences for example, by using various strategies together. It breaks up the monotony of having me direct the learning and gives them a chance to talk to one another.
I like that idea. I will have to work out the details to see how it can fit in with the grading of the paper. I may use that as part of their teamwork points, because if they truly are working as a team, they should know what their other team members wrote. I may do it as an in-class 5 minute assignment.
Thank you for the suggestion.
Hi Myra! I like your brainstorming idea; it is quite possible that many adult learners have not had the opportunity to write a paper.
Here is a possible suggestion as well. After each group member hands in his/her portion and it is drafted, have each member then write a brief summary of the major concepts/applications/relevance of the whole paper from his or her own perspective and include the summaries as a part of the project. Just a thought...
Thanks for your observation!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I've also run into problems with groups dividing the work up to the point that it is no longer a 'group' paper. One group member types up what is given to them by other members, but no one in the group really reads the paper as a whole. I'm still working out how to fix that.
Brainstorming here - maybe write a class paper early in the course as a class project. That way they see how to write a group paper.
I agree, groups are effective in having the learners understand the value of teamwork.
I agree, that groups do get the students involved. The assignment must be clear, so that the group won't turn into a social time.
I have seen certain student that were very shy, start to open up with their ideas and input in a group setting.
I think it is also important to note that some students work better in groups than do others. Some will contribute more, some less.
Obviously, there are some students, and some groups who socialize more than work.
