Dr. Ryan Meers

Chuck, yes the visuals provide a great way to connect new terms/thoughts to pictures & ideas--& this can work for ELL students as well as other struggling learners. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Roberto, this is a good suggestion & we definitely need to take the purpose of the group work into mind. Are the groups for studying, working through case studies/problems, or project oriented--these factors can help us determine the best makeup of groups. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Sherry, yes, this is what I like to emphasize that often the group work/assignments are a reflection of some of the same tensions that they will experience in the professional environment. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Jan, exactly...think about our own conversations we have with friends & family. We engage with those who are in close proximity to us, not from a far distance. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

David, And I do not disagree with your thoughts & statements. I would argue that the statement does not preclude cognitive diversity but rather presents diversity from the cultural perspective as that is the most readily available for most people. You are right that businesses thrive most when they embrace cognitive diversity. I would also argue that if an organization cannot embrace cultural diversity which is much easier to "see" I would question if they will be successful in embracing cognitive diversity as that is not nearly as readily apparent. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Sarah, Exactly & then we have fed them for a lifetime. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Caryn, These are all great ways to engage the students & really to keep the discussion going after the class period . Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Sarah, This is definitely an approach that can be taken based on the comfort level of the instructor & the behavior of the class. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Jeff, Yes if we can possibly identify them early on in the class this is the best situation. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.

Emily, This is so true & the more patience we show with our students the more likely they are to stick with it. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.