By having the students grade group presentations using the same rubric I was using, I had a check on my own objectivity.
i agree about them grading one another. in cosmetology, it is often difficult to "judge" or " grade" one students cretive efforts over another. although group projects are great learning tools for a more traditional class setting, small groups of 2 or 3, in a creative project while grading eachothers efforts can work well.
I found that if during the first meeting the group divided up the work and submitted this information to me, it created a positive momentum. I also gave the grading rubric to their peers and we all filled it in during presentations. The grade reflected all input.
Make sure students feel that the work is allotted equally. Make sure the exercise is relevant and not too difficult relative to where they are at in the course.
This is a great idea give them clearly defined goals broken down into more manageable portions. I think this would really keep the student on task and also decrease their level of anxiety if they have any.
You can do this by giving them a clearly defined goal or outcome. Students appreciate having a rubric and knowing how they will be graded. If one student is not producing the group will attempt to get them in line. I do explain to the groups if some of their peers are not producing that this is a real world experience. In their careers there will be coworkers who do not tow their end and they have to problem solve to find a solution to get the coworker on board.
Great approach Nancy!
Clearly defined expectations - GREAT!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Breaking the project into manageable segments and setting deadlines for each section helps keep student group on track.
On way to keep student group on track is to develop steps on completing assignments. By that I mean everyday should be something new to do to develop the final assignment.
At the beginning of a course, I assign a group project that is a significant part of the student's grade. I also distribute a deadline sheet so that students know where they should be on their project at any given time. Each week, I set aside class time and meet with each group to make sure students are where they need to be and check on the dynamics of the group.
Greetings!
When students are clear on the assingnment and expected outcomes along with the timeframe for completion, it helps build their confidence about successful outcomes.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think it's easy for social hour to begin when students are placed in group settings. However, giving exact directions and objectives for each group, a time frame for work to be completed, and assigning one of the members as scribe to the group allows for better productivity and documentation of collaborative learning.
Also, in my classes whenever group work is completed-- the students know that each group will have to present their information to the class. This also ensures that the group complete to assignment and stay on task.
Anne
It is important, I think, to check in, give encouragement and monitor groups' progress regularly. Yes, the should be regular due dates for portions of the main task, but you should also verbally discuss progress and get feedback.
An outline of the groups learning objectives.
A time line to accomplish goals will give the students a sense of progress.
I agree - you need tomove around the classroom in order tomake sure they are on task and to answer questions. I find that if I sit back the students do not tend to ask questions and waste time in trying to answer their question
Hi Patricia!
I like Stanley's approach as well but I think instructors have to decide what approach works best for their subject matter. This naturally works well for math but will it work as well - let's say - for Human Resources Management? Of course HR MGMT could have same topic for each group but with creativie license, each group would present something different. An approach such as this, would probably encourage critical and logical thinking.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
First I ask the groups to complete their search or discussions within certain time frame. Second I move around and check on every group's progress. Third, if I noticed that some students are off course with personal talk, I ask if they have any questions for me and help them to stay on course.
Stanley,
You have discussed some good ideas in your discussion about group projects. In one class I teach we use small groups to gather information and then present it to the class since every group has a different topic. I like the way that you give the same type of problem as an exercise assignment for the next week. I think this would help students see the different thought process by other students in arriving at the conclusion so that when they are doing the exercise the can use these tools again to improve their own skills.
A team charter can help the students stay on task. The team charter identifies the skills each student bring to the team. It also identifies the goals of the team and how teams will deal with adversity. The team charter is a contract that binds the team together.
A way to keep student groups on course and productive would be to assign each member of the group a particular task and set a reasonable deadline for that task. This way each member of the group will be working on a portion of the assignment and will feel slight pressure to complete the assignment and to have it completed on time. This will allow all members of a group to work equally.
