When you put them into groups, the students learn to work as a team.
In a course such as Psychology, the research can be overwhelming on any given topic. Working in a group allows each student a more indepth look at the research, which in turn enhances learning outcomes.
Groups allow each student to be involve. It also makes students not feel as if they have been singled out.
They can discover information that we are discussing in lecture and that they read in their textbook. Now they can relate the information into how it will apply to their career field. The most rewarding outcome for me is for the students learn how to become a productive team member. We try to model or groom the students into professionals so they can be successful in their chosen career field.
I teach a basic computer skills course involving MS Office. This is always an interesting course because typically I have 10-15% of the class that has never touched a computer and another 10-15% that are experts. The majority of the class has some familiarity but are still learning the concepts of the programs we review. I really struggle with finding ways to keep the advanced students occupied (they typically finish all of their assignments by the middle of the term) while not going to fast that I lose the newbies. In recent classes I have actually had some of my advanced students walk around during the "work" portion of the class to help answer questions and help their peers. The advanced students benefit by the reinforcement of the materials through teaching the concepts to their peers as well as feeling special since I ask them to help out. I'm still there to answer questions, but it helps take some of the pressure off of me because I can spend the time with the students I am helping and don't feel rushed to get to the next one. It is a win-win situation in my book.
I often feel more confident in my teaching methods when I've assigned work groups, especially when I come upon a group/team that exhibit coaching skills to one another--referring back to lecture notes or techniques taught during the demonstration. I often walk by to listen in on what's being said and then am able to redirect if someone hasn't copied down the instructions exactly right. I usually praise them when they are conveying the informatio correctly and the recipients "get it".
That student that is usually quiet shines through. It's amazing how someone can come out of their shell if it is something that they feel strongly about. When you put them in a group it gives them a little more comfort because they have that one on one.
Putting students into groups has several positive outcomes. The student is able to interact with others and can begin to figure out for themselves how he/she can contribute. He/She can learn from the diversity within the group and begin to realize, understand and assimilate that everybody is not just like them. Sometimes it is amazing to see the "light bulb" come on when a student begins to put it all together. The "light bulb" analogy is probably the most fulfilling, especially when it involves a student that is usually withdrawn or lacks confidence.
i RECENTLY HAD A CLASS IN WHICH I USED LEARNING
GROUPS TO GET READY FOR A DEBATE THEY WERE TO TAKE PART IN. THIS TECHNIQUE WORKS GREAT. IT ALLOWS STUDENTS TO RESEARCH AND STEAMLINE THEIR THOUGHT PROCESSES.
Great Susan!
This is a perfect example of a positive outcome for a student. Exactly the kind of thing that we hope will happen.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED1056 Facilitator
Hi Paula!
I hope that you have taken the opportunity to read the post related to Positive Outcomes. Some really great comments made there!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Paula!
It is important for instructors to recognize the learning styles of their students. Postitive outcomes are certainly dependent on it; however, I think that we should encourage our students to learn about and be able to recognize different learning styles. This assist them in recognizing the needs of colleagues and helps them understand that we have to work with the differences in people. THEN - I think groups can be successful.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
As instructors our goal is the assist every student using any learning style in becoming successful in content mastery. In learning groups there is something every student can be successful with.
As instructors our goal is the assist every student using any learning style in becoming successful in content mastery. In learning groups there is something every student can be successful with.
That is true. One of my students was so shy she had a hard time talking with the other students and asking me questions. When I put the students into groups,she opened up slowly. By the end of the course she was talking to everyone and even asking me questions. It was great seeing her interact.
I've had students who were perhaps a little introverted and they improved their communication skills while working in a group environment. A shy student can grow by merely hearing their own voice and recognizing that they don't sound all that bad.
It is a known fact that students learn best when they are motivated and fully engaged in the
learning process and groups offer a way to obtain this. Working in groups keeps students eager to learn along with increasing student retention. Oral communication is enhanced while each member learns from one another's efforts, building self-esteem and social skills. Groups promote student learning and academic achievement. Students have a feeling of pride for their individual contributions to the group. Each individual is responsible not only for learning what is taught, but also for helping others in the group learn, thus creating an atmosphere of accomplishment for all.
It allows all student to interact with other students they may not interact with otherwise.
How very perceptive of you Anthony! I really think students benefit from short term group work or - more appropriately called - discussion groups. It definitely helps build self esteen and strengths the ability to be a team player.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I find that my students understand the conclusions they reach as group more effectively than if they're lead to the conclusions through reading the text or listening to it in my lecture.
I also have found that, more often than not, students who normally isolate in the classroom, will benefit from interacting within a smaller, 4 or 5 person group. Later, they tend to isolate less in the classroom and start engaging in the regular (entire class) discussions.
In my General Education classes, I think our group projects tend to help students later in their career program. I tell them that later on in their program, they will be required to work within group to complete projects successfully. I also tell them to use their group activity as a warm-up experience for when they enter professional environments where employers expect team players to contribute to team goals.
I see part of a student's education as personal and part of that education as social, learning how to work within and through groups
