I have found that utilizing group sessions are effective along with a level of competition or a game format. In addition, group sessions assist struggling students by placing them students that have a stronger skill set. However, at times the weaker students may allow the students with the stronger skill set to do all of the work. What suggestions would you make for this challenge?
Yes, I really enjoy using small groups in my classroom. One challenge I encounter is off task conversation. I try to manage this issue by roving the classroom and asking the students how they feel about the topic being discussed.
Chad, each situation will be different and rarely does one size fit all. If you are not finding success using small groups then do not use this technique. The takeaway is there is something out there that will work. You are not the first math instructor to experience students with less than desirable skills. Others have found success using a number of techniques and you will as well. Just do not give up experimenting with new techniques. Discuss with your colleagues what works for them and then apply what you can into your own situation. Your students are worth the extra effort.
James Jackson
I have used some different small group activities in my math class. Often, I try to make these activities go a bit beyond the basics of the homework assignments to include more critical thinking and creativity on the part of the students.
My main challenge is that the students' math skills and critical thinking skills are often too weak to do the activity without so much guidance that they aren't really learning much new. Students who struggle with math tend to be very poor at recognizing what to do when even if it is only a slight difference from a type of problem they have mastered. Change a whole number into a fraction and they often get flummoxed.
I have tried to give very detailed steps in the instructions, but the more I direct the activity the less the learning objectives are accomplished. I tend to find the amount of time taken up doing these small group activities often outweighs the benefits.
Ben, well done. Keep things mixed up but do so with some sense of order. Students like some level of autonomy but also respect structure.
James Jackson
Willis, awesome use of an in-class resource. For some instructors these personal communication devices are a distraction yet you have found a way to make use of such devices as an educational tool. Job well done and thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Due to the prevalence ofi-phones and emerging technologies, I break the class into small groups [no more than 4 students] and give them each a topic-say a specific spice,herb, grain etc. and give them 10 minutes to research certain criteria of each , then they return to classroom and have 4 minutes to share the information that they have learned. All group members MUST participate in the oral presentation. it is very effective and they really enjoy using their phones to do class activities.
I have found that doing group activites is a welcome break from what can be a mundane series of lecture. It seems to benefit the students in getting other student's perspective on a topic which facilitates understanding more than just hearing the instructors interpretation.
I often try to alter how the groups are formed. If allowed to form their own groups the students tend to migrate to the same people. To force them to work with others they normally wouldn't I will have them draw cards to randomize the groups, or if it is an especially challenging project I will assign the groups distributing the more skilled students with the less skilled students to ensure completion and fairness.
Harold, good use of groups. A single student may be overwhelmed learning the background of 49 other students but getting to know 8 to 9 others is much more attainable.
James Jackson
My courses usually begin with approximately 45-50 students. After the introductions are over I try to split the class into 4 seperate groups to force them to begin communicateing with each other. I have found if you do not do this they will go through the entire course and never interact with anyone.
Sean , you bring forward a critical concept. By taking the time to know each of your students you are able to determine best practices for each of your classrooms and academic plans for each of your students. One size does NOT fit all and we as instructors must take the time to learn about our students and how best to achieve our academic goals for the classroom and for our students.
James Jackson
I use small activities in several classes and the biggest challenge the different experience levels of the small group students. The easiest way to manage this challenge is knowing the experience level of the students and breaking them into groups in accordance with their level of exepreince. If this is not possible I mentally break down the small groups and target questions to specific students that are consistent with their experience level.
I do use small groups and it the result depends on the class. I find that when I assign groups it works better that when the students pick. This way there is a redistribution of power in the classroom and people who generally follow can get the chance to lead
Quang, what conversations have you had with students that did not want to participate? Are they there because someone else is forcing them to attend or do they understand that through participation they will achieve the learning objectives of the course?
James Jackson
I use small group activites in all my classes. The only challenges I face is students not wanting to partivipate in active learning activites. I use small group activites as assignments or class participation grades to fix this problem.
I do utilize small group when i do revision before a quiz or a final
Rejandra, well stated. If students feel you are everywhere they are less able to get into trouble. Sitting behind a desk or never moving around just invites problems in any classroom.
James Jackson
The ability of the instructor to be out around the students is critical as well. The more you as the instructor are moving among the students the more they will focus on you and your message.
I like to use small group activities and sometimes also have issues with the room setup. However, I try to think ahead and plan based on what room I'm in when possible. One other challenge I've faced and I'm sure some others have to is when you get a group that is having a great discussion but not about the assigned topic/activity. In this instance, I usually address the group and try to get them back on track and help them stay focused with some directed questions.
Bernie, classroom design can be a factor in classroom management and effective transfer of knowledge. The ability of the instructor to be out around the students is critical as well. The more you as the instructor are moving among the students the more they will focus on you and your message.
James Jackson
