Putting students in small groups.
If I have a class project I like putting students into small groups. I find they seem to find a comfort zone.They dont seem to have as much of a peer pressure inviromentand get more accomplished. Mike Murrill
Having small groups can be helpful for some but also can be hurtful for others. If you have a group of students and one of them is a good performer then the other that is not may sit back and let his or her lab partner do all the work. It is very important to try and observe the student during the labs and try to encourage them to participate in the activities.
John, do students have specific scripts they use or do they just need to produce some level of deliverable or output? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Mike,
I find the opposite. While I also like and often used the small group technique, I find there is a bit of peer pressure...but it is two directional. The less confident students feel they need to contribute and so they find a niche or a sub-task where they are comfortable. The stronger students engage in peer learning, restating classroom lessons/principles in order for the others to understand.
The challenge for the instructor is to make sure the stronger student does not push the less confident one(s) aside, dominate, and make the group project a 1-person show. Thus, get out from behind the desk.
With the hands-on activities that we do in the classroom, small groups are the only way for us. It does work really well because everyone must contribute as the workstations are written for each student to perform certain tasks. If there is tension in a group you can always move the people around. I do however remind them that there will always be adversity anyplace you work so it is up to you to make the best of what you have.
Being directly involved seems to be "THE" key. When left alone those groups tend to to wander and cannot find thier way to completing a task. With just a little coaching and showing that you are watching most groups finish well. But all that is alot of work.
Ryan, well stated and the instructor is part of each group despite their intentions. They may be an active part of the group or a distant/missing part of the group. By engaging and directly participating you will experience much higher order learning outcomes than being a distant or missing part of the group.
James Jackson
This is a great way to find synergy in the class, as the instructor it is important to make your way around the wrong an check the productiveness of each group. It is important that the instructor is apart of each group, this helps with class rapport but also allows you to gauge timing an energy so the groups don't fall to, too much chatter.
Larry, excellent way to get students "vested" and fully engaged. Learning through a process of doing tasks has shown to be one of the strongest methods of long term learning and comprehension. Great job and thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
I do a cost control small group project, I am trying something new - part of the grading is how much other groups
buy into each group project presentation - thanks to my Executive Chef idea I am using a modified "Shark tank" format
i.e. each group will get the same amount of money to "invested" in the other groups project
The group getting the most money wins a prize at the end of the presentations as well as boost in the groups' grade!
we have had positive feed back so far --
any other ideas out there on how to motive to do group projects?
Maria, group work is just one of many learning techniques. For those they may not thrive in group work, find other forms of engagement that can take full advantage of their skill set. The focus here is one size rarely fits all so good to include a mixture of learning opportunities for all of your student types.
James Jackson
IDA, group work can be very beneficial to the overall success of your students. The trick is to be directly involved and to know your students well enough to determine a good grouping from one that may be troubled to take full advantage of what the group activity has to offer.
James Jackson
I would love to know what and how you will do the multi step process and if it works so that I can try it in my classes. thanks
I've wondered this, too, Maria. I have a student who doesn't participate much and I'm trying to determine if it's that the student's learning style isn't being maximized or if it's truly a matter of shyness. What I might try is giving each small group a multi-step process that involves each major learning style and see what he does.
I think small groups is a great idea but what happens with the students that dont like to participate because either they dont learn that way or they are too shy?
Putting students in small groups enhances student security and can cause increased participation from all students.
Lisa, we retain more by doing than by hearing or seeing. The only level of retaining that is higher than doing is by teaching the subject matter. Small group activities are one form of active learning and a high level of engagement.
James Jackson
Researchers report that, regardless of the subject matter, students working in small
groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same
content is presented in other instructional formats.
Jose, small groups can be a great contribution to the learning outcomes for those situations that lend themselves well to groups. Students will learn more if they feel comfortable and safe with the group and the overall classroom. When possible it is also beneficial to mix up the groups so students get to learn more about others within the classroom.
James Jackson
Michael, very well stated. Not everything lends itself well to group activities. For those situations that do allow for group activities the students gain more than just what is captured within the lesson plan, they also gain critical social and engagement skills. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
