I too use the card method or the number method. I like having alittle more control over my groups. But once the groups are formed they must pick a group leader and distribute the assignment. Once I know that info I agree or disagree with their choses. Sometimes they might have to change something but that doesn't happen very often.
Hi Virginia!
A very realistic and easy approach to selecting groups. Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have had students count off into sets of 3. This way the groups are diverse and groups are separated so the various types of students can interact and help each other.
Also facilitates professional growth - leadership skills as presenter for group -- raises self esteem as evidenced by their body language as they walk from the front of the room to their desks upon completion of the presentation.
Assign groups by rows students are seated in during theory class. You can keep track of members by your seating grid and what objectives have been assigned.
What a clever approach!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
At the start of a new term I group students alphabetically. It really helps me to learn the students names and visa versa. Then in week two I typically group aphabetically grouping students by last name, by first letter of the alphabet and then last letter of the alphabet. I then alternate first and last until I meet in the middle. By week three I have a good sense of where students are at and then I can create a good balanced group.
Good question Kodee!
If it is healthy tension. By that I mean if you don't know that the relationship isn't already significantly strained - one that could lead to violence. Healthy competition is good. I would be very cautious and be absolutely sure that it wouldn't cause class disruption. You might want to check with perviou instructors for their opinions as well.
How do you feel about pairing such students?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Do you recomend placing students with a little tension between them in the same group?
Hi Robert!
Do you think under hese circumstances that competition is good? Thanks for the clarification.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Robert!
Would you please elaborate on why you think this process has worked so well at your school? I bet there are lessons to be learned from your experiences.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Putting students into groups induces competition into the leaning experience.
I often allow the students to form there own groups as long as there are an equal number of people in each group. In the school in which I instruct, allowing students to form there own groups have proven to be effective.
One way is to move down the class roster and randomly forms groups by alphabetical arrangement. This can create groups with good diversity, and thereby contribute to the sharing of new ideas and different life experiences.
The majority of classes I teach are advanced so I allow students to choose their own groups. They have a history with eachother and this works well in most cases. There will always be the one off group occasionally that requires extra attention. In a new class with beginning students, choosing the groups works better.
By using the class roster, divided by how many groups are needed. First day is alphabetical, next is every other student. By the third or fourth class meeting i get an idea of who is strong or quiet, then i try to balance out the groups.
I give each student a job title and a description of what their job duties are. For example, one student is the leader. Their duty is to watch time and keep the group focused.
You as the teacher need to decide the exact purpose of the group. If it is to get to know the others in your class you can generally divide it randomly. If it is for the purpose of learning and having the students grow in their knowledge of the subject you might want to have as much diversity as you can in each group to enhance the learning process. You also need to consider the number of students in each group and the size of the room or area you can divide groups into and use successfully.
Give them group projects.
Obviously diversity is important, however, diversity on all levels should be recognized, in my opinion. Different experience levels and different personality types is equally important.
