Mixing students young and old
After a few days of class, I can see that cliques have formed. Usually the strong gravitate towards each other and the weak stay together. It helps both weak and strong students if they are mixed together. The weak learn from the strong and the strong learn how to be sensitive to others who have challenges.
In my experience with virtual teaching the age range mix of students is diverse and when put together in Group projects often results in all age ranges bringing something of value to their group efforts.
Hi Pamela,
This is a good strategy to use with cliques. It helps to rearrange the dynamics of the class and helps the students to stay focused on what is going on in the class.
Gary
In cohort type environments, the cliques usually form around area of study, regardless of the age of the students. However, by treating everyone fairly, you can break the cliques without making it a noticable attempt. One way I do this is by forming new "cliques' where I will pair people based on other factors, such as row, or last names or something other than the arrangement they are used to. This way they gain new alliances and ultimately the whole class feels the unity and camraderie of being in a "team" environment in the classroom.
Yes, I agree. I have rotating students each week. With only a few in my class, I'm not always able to mix young and old. I do rotate their responsibilities and their partners when performing tasks. I find this helpful.
I have noticed thst the older students willstay for tutoring when they dont need it,and the students who do need it wont stay untill they are on the edge of failure.
Hi Gena,
Good read on the class dynamics. This is very important if you are going to keep the class going forward and not have student issues crop up excessively. The mixing is a good approach to make sure the students get to know each other and learn to work with others different from themselves.
Gary
