Unless you have a organized set of groups, students tend to be talky and reflecting on what they did or will do for the weekend. I have found the more ramdon the more organized the Group learing will be.
I use case studies as group activities for discussion on various topics. One challenge is getting the students to stay on task or put critical thinking into the questions or outcome of the case study. They often provide surface answers, especially if points are not attached to the assignment. They do not see how the assignment can increase their understanding of the topic. One group may finish before another group and I just remind them that there is probably something they missed in the case study that needs more detail. Another challenge is sidebar conversations or some in the group not participating.
For me it is loosing control of the classroom during group projects. It seems they all want my attention at one time and I find it hard to focus my attention on one group while another is constantly saying my name to come help them. Then there is the getting along factor,when they do not agree with the way the project should be done.
Lisa,
this is definitely an increased challenge with the long-term groups. I would personally recommend that long-term groups be used for 1 or 2 major projects, but still provide plenty of opportunity for individual grades.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like my students to work in groups I always assign a group leader but eaach student will received and individual grade
I have found the grading system as a challenge to group projects. All students do not pull their weigt in group projects
I have used informal groups on several occasions in my class, usually to help focus on learning objectives and important points via an activity. I have had good success with these types of groups. I have been reluctant to use formal groups due to my own negative experiences with them when I was in school. I like the idea of individualized evaluation and self-evaluation, but it's so difficult to make sure that all members contribute equally. Even though this was addressed in the course, I would benefit from more methods on avoiding that situation.
I have seen the benefits of temporary student groups and have used them with my classes, especially with activities that reinforce learning objectives. The problem I have with long term groups and assigning group projects is the fact that I personally didn't like them when I was a student. I wanted to be responsible for my own grade and didn't want anyone else having an influence on the grade I might receive. How can long term groups be approached to keep students from feeling this way?
Rita,
you bring out a common problem. Often we focus on those students who don't want to work, when there are often just as many students who take control & have a challenge in allowing others to do part of the work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Benjamin,
this is definitely a challenge & where it really pays to have a well-planned & structured activity to engage them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The two most common challenges that I have noticed are that when in groups there may be a student that wants to complete more work and a few that have no problem letting the other students do the work. Ocassionally there may be an instance where certains students request that they be allowed to switch groups or not work with other students. If this happens, I let the student voice his or her concern. I then explain that this is actually a good leson and how out in the field we cannot pick and choose our co -workers. I then advise then to use this as a learning opertunity.
I feel keeping the whole group involved can be difficult because they feel that it can all most be a play time for them.
Some of the challenges in having students work in groups are:
1. Making sure there is the right balance on every group. You do not want to form a group with all the most talented students nor a group with the all less talented students.
2. Ensuring that the group assignment is fair and will be divided in equal workload for each student.
3. Ensuring that each student will do their fair share of work in the group.
4. Motivating students to overcome group conflict while maintaining the group synergy. One way to achieve this goal is to let them know that is part of the learning process and they will have to deal with group problems when they enter the field.
5. Be certain of the scope of the assignment and that the students will be able to complete the assignments on schedule.
Leah,
this is definitely a good perspective to keep in mind.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Being an Online Doctoral Learner I find that some of the challenges of having students work in groups are the different peresonalities or ethics.
I think there are many times where you will have some students in groups and they do not pull their part of the load but they receive the same grade as the one that worked the hardest to make sure the team got a good grade. That is why it is as an instructor to know your students and get the proper feedback from the team before giving that final grade.
My personal opinion is that group work should be kept to a minimum and not be used for a project that is a significant portion of the grade. While working with groups is important to teach collaboration in the workforce, I feel that individual work is more important. With large projects with adults who are juggling more than just school, if adequate time is not given in class to work on group projects I find that it is difficult even for motivated participants to get together to work due to work schedules, family obligations, etc.
Stephan,
unfortunately this is an on-going problem with groups. Hopefully the ideas will help to alleviate the problem some.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The greatest challenge I have with my students working in groups is having everyone share equally with their work load. I have complaints or observe students who don't "pull their weight". I will try to use the suggestion to give specific assignments to each group participant.
Dawn,
great overview of how to effectively do the group work. I want to highlight everything you said here. Too often instructors throw together a "group project" & it ends up being a bad experience for everyone.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Ron,
yes, it is not always necessary to divide the class into small groups. As you've pointed out your whole class can regularly benefit from the small group feel.
Dr. Ryan Meers
