Learning groups are excellent in allowing groups to learn at different paces within a course. Students who excel enjoy a challenge, allow them to do additional tasks as well as additional readable materials. There are basic requirements needed that we as educators offer for success in the respective environments.
I try to get a diversified group dynamic. we have students of different ages and different levels of confidence. I have noticed that some of the "stronger" personality students will take some of the quieter ones under there "wings" and by the end of the project the quieter ones are more confident in speaking up in class and answering questions regarding the project
I put students in groups to work on team building being in medical they have to learn to work with many different people and if I start it from the beginning when i get to our positioning labs they are used to each other and we as a whole can accomplish more.
I teach in area where 4 unique service agencies are grouped together into the same learning environment, putting these individuals together in small groups with equal representation helps immediately breakdown specific barriers, nervous jitters, and brings out the strength and experience of each member.
I love have them work through all the differing personalities and still make it to their stated goal.
New ideas, approaches and the benefit of reinforcing the material.
I agree with Patrick that students who work in these intermingled groups gain a wealth knowledge, ideas, and career related experiences. This intern can really open up new knowledge banks for students to pull information and resources from.
Students are able to share ideas with a diverse group of of cohorts. This intermingling of ideas exposes all in the group to a variety of opinions, especially from various cultural, racial and ethnic groups.
I have students work in groups quite often and I have found that it helps each student participate and contribute to the lab task. They seem to be more willing to interact with each other and in doing so help each other in understanding the lesson they should learn from the project.
Hi Linda!
Great observation! Being part of a diverse group of learners is an education in itself1
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It helps each student by observing other people's learning styles.
Group interaction is somewhat private compared to class interaction. Some students have no esteem about themselves and working in a group is a stepping stone to speaking properly in a classroom. Also students that usually son't participate in class may be willing to talk with other students in a group.
it makes a shy student to participate, makes learning exciting, and developing a team work.
You ask for a different leader each time,and the students learn from the leader and respect the leader.It will help in the work field.
I use student groups to get all students involved on a non-threatening way- it also helps them to overcome any shyness or reluctance to speak in a larger group. also- different life eperiences makes the work of the group a much better learning field.
I agree Tonya. I enjoy bringing out the personality in the more timid students by using groups. I have found that the shy students are more verbal in class as a whole after in-class group work. It is definitely a confidence builder!
I find that it helps the more quiet students who usually stay to themself or like to be in the background, speak out and give their opionions because they feel more relaxed than having to talk outloud with the class. As the module, mentioned it helps the students to feed off of each other.
Not only does it enhance the learning aspect as a group, it allows students to get to know each other and not feel so alone. In our classroom, the better students interact with each other, the better the learning environment. They help each other after class with group studies and they all work together to insure that each of them has the best opportunity to pass our class.
I love to see students teaching each other. They are more relaxed around each other than the instructor sometimes, so their minds are more open to learning things differently. It helps to create strong bonds and dynamics in the labs.
Hi Agnes!
I definitely think that students can be placed into groups for ice breakers. There are some very clever group icebreakers. Go to the book store and on-line to take a look at books that provide ice breakers. Give it a try - students think it is fun - especially when the ice breaker is cleverly put together.
Good question - good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
