I see an improvement in the leaders of the group as well as those struggling. The ones that understand the concept can improve their understanding as they explain the material to others.
it allows students to learn new ideas they never thought of, provide support to weaker students, and/or become better communicators among each other.
I find that when a student is constantly moved around to different groups they find they have more in common with other students than they previously thought. In fact, they may find new friends and study partners.
different poin of view always refreshes interest to subject
Yes and it makes them fill like they are sharing what they have learned
Interestingly enough, I've found that students and the instructors learn from each other when working in groups. In my Master's studies, I was fortunate to engage in White boarding and Discussion Board applications with my group members which were fantastic web based resources for teaching and learning. We all performed scholarly research and provided constructive remarks on each other's findings which helped maximize transfer of learning.
It can give more students the opportunity to participate in discussion and Hands On applications.
I like to use learning groups in my Intro to Psych class. I feel the students can learn from each other's perspective as well as give each other feedback during group discussions. Also, learning groups allow the students time to process the information we have covered in class and the groups' discussions reinforce the topics we cover during the lecture portion of class.
There are many positive outcomes of putting students into learning groups. I feel it can help build confidence, increase communication between students (possibly bring a shy student out of their shell/comfort zone), encourage networking both inside and outside of class environment, and promote brainstorming techniques, etc. Overall, it promotes learning in new way for each individual student.
They can share idea and concepts. Easy to learn subject matter.
Learning groups are helpful for students who would rather receive instruction in a groupd of their peers. When a student is working with a peer they can sometimes benefit from the expertise of others.
When placed into learning groups with peers, students feel more comfortable about discussing and sharing knowledge with one another. When students are required to make a contribution to the group through assigned tasks, it helps to increase positive learning outcomes.
Renea,
I agree with you that this can often be one of the greatest benefits of the group projects as students learn to work in & appreciate the greater diversity.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A positive outcome is communicating with someone that you really do not know, they are from a different culture, race, and etc. No one is the same so different ideas, thoughts, and projects are created to make up a beautiful assignment.
I think that one positive outcome of student groups is that students will learn to work together and appreciate diversity.
sheree,
I've seen this occur in my courses as well. I've seen diverse groups of students who normaly wouldn't "hang out" become good friends as a result of group work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I feel that the students get a little something extra from each other... they actually feel like they are learning on a new level and sometimes it takes a difficult subject and makes it easier because they hear it from a different perspective
I like to work groups and try to get students skills matched. This has helped me learn the overall class personality.
Students enjoy sharing their perspectives and experiences while working together on a project. If they didn't know each other prior to the group setting, they are able to open communication with them while in a group.
The students start to "own" the subject.
