GROUP LEARNING
Group learning is definitely a quality initiative which can collaborate multiple intelligences to share their knowledge in such a way that lead them all to do the learning.
Denise,
I like this approach of both reviewing the work load & discarding both the highest & lowest in peer grades.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
What has worked for me in my classes I the fact that I review all tasks and if I don't see an equal distribution in work then I have the authority to reassign some tasks. I also give students an opportunity to grade their peers anonymously and I discard the highest the lowest.
Alessandra,
and sometimes the groups can be used to work on projects as many of our students will experience this work in their careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Hi Daniel I have the same theory. Once in a while a group activity can help students learn from one another. Specially when classes are focused on spelling and medical terminology.
Alex
Paul,
agreed that if we can tie these items or tasks to grades we stand a better chance of participation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
set assigned tasks with specfic goals tied to the lab grade this should encourage everyone too doe the exercises
Angelica,
a couple of methods that might work. First of all, distribution of duties; when you set up a group project have specific roles that must be filled on each of the teams. Also, I like to use peer evaluations as part of the grade. The group gets a grade, but each individual gets a grade based on their peer evaluations from group members.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My students dread group projects because they find that there isn't an equal distribution in work, meaning some students take on the brunt of the project because others don't do their share of the work. How do I encourage everyone to work together??
Sandi,
and this can be a useful tool as they learn to refocus themselves & their group. This is a skill that they will need throughout their careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that as well. My students at times go off the topic in group discussions, but with some coaching, they are able to use their conversations to inform their group work. They learn from each other through formal and informal discussions.
When teaching mathematically courses, I find group learning to be particularly beneficial. Sometimes having students explain information to another student who is struggling helps because the student with the issue is more inclined to listen closer to peers.
I really like to use group work as well, especially around assigned case studies applicable to the course content. Sometimes I will assign the groups, other times I will allow the students to self select their groups and assign a leader. Sometimes I will give a different problem/case to each group and have them present back to the whole class.
I Agree, I put my students in groups every module so that they can collaborate on the lecture, so that we can discuss later in class.
Andrew,
this is a great benefit to groups as it does help those different types of learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach bodywork and it helps that we do things in pairs. They get to decide who goes first, what will help them learn the techniques, comfort by being with someone. Some get to feel the work and then do it.
Love group learning. Gives people that learn in different ways to show others new ways to learn and understand things. It is a great way to debrief overtime.
Ashley,
I personally believe in mandatory groups. Many workplaces involve working in groups or teams so it's great preparation for their careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that alot of students learn better in groups then by themselves
I find this to be so true! I enjoy watching my students work in groups where more proficient students help bring along students that are struggling with the material.
What are people's thoughts on assigning "mandatory" groups for students to meet with and do projects with? This way, the students who dont like to study or participate in groups are encouraged to do more participation.
