I have been trying different methods to see what works best for my students. I have a lesson plan suggesting that I have students complete an activity in small groups. Today, I presented the activity and suggested they work in small groups. Since the students seemed to sit there passively, I decided to assign groups. After I did this, one student logged off the computer, gathered her things, and simply walked out of class. I have not heard from her since.
Apparently this student is uncomfortable or disinterested in working in groups. I guess I won't know until she contacts me or I see her in class again so I can ask her. I briefly considered contacting her by text message; but I decided not to, thinking that her walking out without even telling me why was unprofessional/rude behavior which I shouldn't encourage by chasing after her.
Anyway, after she left, the whole activity broke down. A couple of students did the activity on their own, and others seemed lost.
Any advice regarding (a) dealing with the student who left, and (b) how to handle an activity like this in the future?
Thanks.