Organizing Students into Groups
What are some ways to organize students into work groups?
When choosing groups in the practical setting, I take into account the ability levels of the students and try to make sure that the groups are well distributed. This brings out the emergent leaders and can empower students to be more confident in thier skills.
Reply
The way that I like to organize students is have students take an inventory of their skill-set. I then analyze the results and form small groups typically around 4-5 students that have a distributed skill-set, diversity of age/race/religion/gender/etc., and try to have somewhat common personalities to avoid conflict. I also try arrange groups to have common self-interest goals so they have a commonality to discuss throughout the course.
During the next class, I have student go within their groups. I then have an icebreaker activity so that students get to know one another. After this, I go over the assignments for the group, including expectations, what skills are needed, how grading will take place, etc. I ensure to incorporate the other strategies that were covered in this lesson. After the assignment is given, I then incorporate some aspects of project management’s “storming†phase of “storming, norming, forming, and performingâ€. With this, I have students explain their strengths from the skills inventory, have students come up with a group contract of expectations focusing on communication, and have students come up with roles for each person in the group. By using these strategies it has helped minimize conflict and increase retention of each group member in the class which has been a true benefit.
I try to limit size but develop student participation more with diversity.
I think the best way to organize students into groups is to randomly select the groups to avoid the same students picking their favorites. Sometimes I have students write their names on paper, mix the names, and randomly select groups in that manner. I also have selected team captains. Each captain selects students to be a part of his/her team. I believe that each of these methods prevent partiality on the part of the instructor.
Of course, depending on the size of the group, I prefer to group students who are strong in the subject matter with students who are having some difficulty.
I teach a very small class of only 7 and they are all so used to each other that it is challenging to arrange them differently. This has made me think I could group them in new ways, for example: savory breakfast or sweet? Maybe that would add a little more fun.
When putting student in groups I limit the size of the group and make sure every student is assigned a task. I also observe the groups and if there is a complaint I listen. The group already knows that they will have to stay in their assigned groups. They will have to work out their difficulties I will act as arbitrator.
As some of the other discussions have mentioned, I like splitting up the class into smaller groups, such as 2-4 students. This makes sure that every student does their part. Within the small groups I also like to make sure that each individual has a specific duty that they need to complete. This makes everybody accountable and responsible.
I like to combine stronger with weaker performers as a technique to help the struggling student
limiting the group to 4-5 students, have them count off 1=5 and form the group, so that they can learn to work as team classmates they dont know as well.
I’ve always keep the group sizes small, 4-5 students and have randomly picked them. I’ve found random picking has eliminated the “why I chose certain students to join certain groupsâ€. I also have never reassigned groups “jump ship†explaining that in the real world you will have to find the strengths and weaknesses the group offers and learn to overcome any obstacles. Also, “Icebreakers†are great team introduction activities.
I agree that forming groups should not be greater than 6, 4 preferably. This allows all members to participate equally and encourages everyone's input.
Kathleen,
yes, the instructor must stay involved with the students groups & not just check out during the process.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By choosing assignments that foster an interaction of group members organizing students into groups will have positive results. These results require the group to solicit input from all members and to agree as a group. This strategy will help the group hold each other accountable. When organizing students into groups it is important for the instructor to provide individual and group accountability. An example of this is to randomly select members from each group to present the group's progress.
Johnnie,
yes, group size needs to be carefully managed that all can participate & have a role.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is like a soccer or a basket ball team. Let the student with the choice to pick their teammates will increase their motivation. Sometimes personality issues influence deeply the group success and vice versa.
I have learned the hard way that making groups to large usually ends up with a few doing all the work and the rest wanting to get the same credit. Depending on class size, I limit groups to 3-4 or 5-6 students at most. I make sure that each group has individual assignments clearly defined for every member in each group and that the group's overall success is dependent on the completion of everyones' responsiblities. When i grade the groups,I have them asses themselves first and use that as a guage to my own assessment of their success. I find this to be the fairest approach and the choice of least resistance from the students. I also use a "random" selection method to group assignment to avoid accusations of favoritism or any other unfair evaluation of my efforts.
I strive for a balance of student types/ages in my in-class groups. At our community college, there are a wide variety of cultures, age groups, you name it - and by bringing together some diverse individuals, I find that the quality of output is much higher.
I like to make smaller groups of 4 or less because the less outgoing students get left behind.
