Group Formation
Dr Meers, do you think groups should be changed throughout a course? That is the students should be in different groups throughout the term to broaden their horizons.
Hi Bonnie,
That has been my experience as well and it helps the students to develop interaction skills as a result of dealing with other students. Good point, thanks.
Gary
I would have to agree that breaking students into different groups for various projects is crucial to their learning process. Students become refreshed and excited when they have the opportunity to work with different student. I have also observed that the students enjoy learning from one another as well as having a small group to share ideas and thoughts with before presenting them to the entire class.
Hi Abigail,
By using the counting off method or you assigning them to groups you are creating a mix of diverse group members. This is the desired outcome. Even if someone gets cranky about being assigned to a group they will have to admit that it was done fairly. I explain my method of assigning students to groups and what we are going to accomplish in the group. Then I move on with the assigned work tasks. This quiets any complaining and the students focus on what they are to work on.
Gary
What is the best way, or least offensive way toassign a group? It seems like even when just counting off numbers around the room someone gets their feelings hurt.
Hi Dr. Jeffries,
Good to hear about your success in using a group format. I use student learning groups as well with results much like you describe. My students like working in groups and get competitive with other groups when it comes to the completion of projects and activities. This really increases the motivation of all students.
Gary
I have found that group formation helps students bond with each other. Even though the students have been together in class for a few days, I have found that the students tend to relax more and become more connected when placed into groups. I usually set the groups using my roster. I like to have a diverse groups when I formulate them. The class seems to "come together" after we have a few group projects or situations where we can focus on a topic and work together in order to do our best at presenting material to the class as a whole or in a written format. I try to keep a list of the groups that I have formed in order to get different people in a new diverse student group.
Dr. Meers,
I too agree, I have also had several group projects where I've had students change groups. The main reasons I've done this is I've noticed that one group isn't performing (coming together) as well as other groups. Usually because of a lack of experience and/or leadership.
Hi Steve,
Yes, I do. In my courses I have several major projects the students complete throughout the phase. I use student groups for each project. By changing groups the students get to benefit just as you mention, learning from others. Also, if a student isn't satisfied with the group they are in, they know they will get assigned to another one in a few weeks.
Gary
