Groups are great for some projects like in the construction-many times it takes a group to simple
do the task
One of the best things about using groups is it gives the student who is shy an opportunity to speak up in a smaller crowd rather than in front of the entire class. It also allows students to hear the material from different "voices" than just the instructor. Many times I have had students say that they understood something better that I had tried to explain just by hearing it again from a classmate.
Hi Linda!
You know I've always liked to have someone in the group who is the "devils advocate". That person keeps us on our toes and often helps us give consideration to another point of view.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I believe the main outcome from learning groups would be the fact that this is real world application. Getting along with others is a marketable skill to have. Employers are looking for that team player. Whether your team is comprised of 2 or 22, we must all learn to get along and accomplish the goal at hand.
Question: Has anyone seen a correlation between use of learning groups and long-term information retention. Most of my courses do not afford the time for small groups but I would try about anything to enhance retention prior to certification exams!
I use groups whenever I can because it takes the spotlight off of me and puts it on the subject at hand. It also provides a "break in the action". It adds energy to the discussion. It is all positive.
I feel that putting students in a group helps build the sense of teamwork and also helps with cooperative learning.
I agree. I use this for an icebreaker in professional seminars as well. People contribute in different and usually positive ways in smaller groups.
Groups often bring out more ideas on tackling an assignment or solving a situation. Some students who normally do not speak up in front of the whole group will take on larger roles in the group and vice versa. Even when a class is small, 2-3 person groups provide for a variety of solutions that the class as a whole would not come up with.
I have seen students become more engaged and more active after having a group activity. Prior to the activity the class seemed devided and some students even expressed their negative thoughts on having to be in a group. However, following the completion of the activity, students began to interact better with one another. The following group activity presented positive responses. It felt great and rewarding to me.
Not always will all people in a group 100% agree........so this is a great way to expose a class to different personalities and arriving on a consensus as a team. Sometimes I'll only collect one paper with every group member's name, and whatever grade that paper gets is the grade for every member. They seem to like that idea, and it better ensures that all members are comfortable with the results.
Hi Evelyn........Your comment about choosing a different leader each time sounds a lot like Donald Trump's TV show........and that man knows about team work dynamics in coropoate America!!!
I've got to agree with you........grouping does relax the atmosphere of a classromm.......as non threatening as we teachers might try to make our classes, there are always those who are afraid they'll be called on for an answer, or maybe just don't want to ask questions because they would feel embarrassed. In a small group where they "buddy up", those fears disappear!!
Generally, students really enjoy working with others. The idea of grouping is helpful for students having difficulty with learinng/applying material. Through group discussion and one on one interaction, many students will learn something they were previously struggling with. Groups are a form of supportive comraderie!
We all bring something to the table. We are all different with varying skills and abilities. What we have may just be what the learning group is lacking and visa versa. We can learn from each others' experiences.
I find that beyond merely assimilating the content of the assignment, students who work in groups also develop other important skills. Students often work harder to communicate with each other than they might with an instructor. Oftentimes, an instructor has exemplary communication skills allowing them to repeat, clarify, and ask for clarification. These are skills that students do not necessarily have upon entering class. Working with others who are also developing those skills is quite useful. Students get a chance to practice clarification, and asking for clarification, which are important communication skills.
When students work in groups they are exposed to different insights on the work they are performing. Additionally they begin to get experience working in a group environment which will be skills they need in their career.
Positive outcomes of putting students into learning groups are that the students learn from each other. It also promotes participation. It encourages students to present ideas that would not be presented in a full classroom setting. It also serves as a study guide for the group. Students can point out lessons learned or experienced.
Putting students into learning groups give the students a chance to learn from each other. They also interact and become acquainted with the entire class. Get them out of their comfort zone.
I always have several students who don't like to participate in class discussions. By breaking into small groups, I find the participation level greatly increases. Although these students usually do not volunteer to be their group's spokesperson, they do tend to relax and respond better when called upon as an individual.
