I have noticed that while some students in learning groups give 100% making a great effort to put forth good quality work, there are others that purposely do minimal work and rely on their fellow students to carry their weight. I personally like assigning group projects since it allows me to assign a larger project. I have noticed that the majority of students do enjoy the freedom of expression a group project allows them and they truly enjoy it as it shows by the final product.
Hi Cheryl!
Without question, peer interaction and assistance is an example of true interactive learning; I always remind myself of the developed skills and life experiences that adult learners bring to the table and can share with others.
Jay
ED106
I have seen students really make great progress in learning groups. I like to be sure that the groups are well balanced with students who are do well working with students who may be struggling a bit. I have found that the peer interatcion and the peer assistance not only inspires students to keep trying but has also helped them to better understand the class and the content. Sometimes a fellow student can explain it in a way that I cnnot and the student suddenly sees and understands. That is a great moment and it never would have happened without learning groups.
This is wonderful, Anne! Thanks so much! I have also used the competitve spirit with class projects - it not only builds the teambuilding apsect, but affords students in working together the opportunity to clarify the expectations others have of them and to really think through the project's process. It is so very real to the workplace.
Jay
ED106
I have found that there is increased interest in the assignments when I formulate group projects.
The classroom dynamic is more fully charged and there is more of a spirit of challenge and excitement in their learning. I initiated an all-class project in all three of my Design Fundamentals classes last winter in which each student was given a specific assignment in developing a design in which shape and color were very important -- and overall craftsmanship. The purpose of the exercise was for them to learn more about what happens when six -eight different colors interact with one specific color. I told them that they were in competition with the two other classes to produce the best design, and that three other instructors would vote on the best design. That created quite a nice 'buzz,' and learning abounded. It was designed so that no one was left out, which made for a positive 'class pride' factor.
Thanks for your response, Charmaine! I have also found that by discussing and/or reviewing content together, they also have the opportunity to see concepts from a different perspective.
I gave students an objective test, individually at first, then collected it from each student. The next evening, I divided them into learning groups and handed each group a blank copy of the same test to collaborate on the answers (they had to remember their selections from the day before without their individual tests in front of them).
Each group then gave me their team consensus on the correct answers. Students received a percentage of the team score and a percentage of their individual scores (or 100% of their individual scores if better) so it was a win-win. In all cases but one, the team score was higher than individual scores. Several students remarked that they learned more about the material from the collboration than from taking the test. I wouldn't suggest doing this every time, but it was an interesting learning experience.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I HAVE FOUND THAT THE STUDENTS FIND STUDYING MORE EFFECTIVE IN A GROUP, THEY ARE ABLE TO TEST ONE ANOTHER AND FOCUS IN ON THE WEAKNESS IN CERTAIN SUBJECTS THEREFORE FINDING THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPROVE WHILE DOING THIS TOGETHER
Thanks for your comments, Jay!
Yes, I have found that effective use of student learning groups reinforces knowledge and application because students are actually participating in each others' learning processes. I also believe it helps to develop additional critical skills such as communication, collaboration and sound thinking. The key, perhaps, is making sure that the groups' objectives, ground rules and flows of communication are all clearly defined.
Thanks again and best wishes for continued success in using learning groups.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I have noticed that when placing students in work groups it helps them work together to brainstorm ideas and information. When the students work together in smaller groups, they help each other out in a very hands-on way. I believe that they retain information better, too.
Hi Samuel!
It gets back to the old saying, "the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else," and the residual effect is that students, as you suggest, really do learn well from their peers. Thanks for your comments about students giving a group progress report / presentation. Such an activity not only reinforces their actual tasks, but encourages the use of critical-thinking and communicaiton skills, two skill sets that they will have to have to be successful in the workplace. And a "group or team" grade, if used under the right parameters, creates an interesting set of group dynamics. Bravo!
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
That is so true. The engaged learninig that happens in these group settings is remarkable. Students often "get it" when explained or expressed by their peers.
I often have students give a progress report highlighting some aspect of their group work. It gives the group presentation practice and allows me another means to assist the students in their progess.
Students appear to learn and grasp the information better in groups. I use a group project in all of my classes and it appears to work well.
The students earn an individual grade for the group project.
An excellent example, Karen, of utilizing student learning groups for more than just discussion. Relating activities consistently to the workplace creates immediate relevance for them. Bravo!
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
In my fashion design course I put students in small groups to work as a "design Team". They had to do research and develop a sample collection of original design ideas as if they work working for a particular designer in the industry. The students enjoyed the activity because I explained to them that it is a scenario that they may find themselves in as new graduates working for a designer or design company. They motivated each other and communicated with classmates who they may not have talked to before.
Hi Lawanda! You're on point; learning groups can be used in so many ways as long as group members, with the help of the teacher, clearly define outcomes, ground rules, roles and expectations.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
It is good to form groups for learning, students tend to be able to catch on faster from their peers. It's also very helpful for each student to participate, and have an input on what they are learning, and not feel left out.
Hi Christine! It's amazing how students mentor each other, even without it being purposeful. Student learning groups are an excellent way to encourage participation and achieve a performance outcome as long as there are ground rules, the desired outcome is clear, and group members are clear as to roles, responsibilities and expectations.
Jay Hollowell
ED106
I have found that placing students in groups is a great way for the students to learn. They aren't afraid to try new things with each other.
Some students catch on quicker than others and its a good way to have in house tutors.
Great! Any variance of classroom activities, particularly those that stimulate creativity, really help students absorb and apply.
Jay Hollowell, Center for Excellence in Education
