The students that I teach come from a diverse group, that can be a difficulit challange to make them work together
I have found one of the greatest challenges is how to evaluate group work. It seems as if there's always one student who does the majority of the work. It's difficult to evaluate the slackers. It doesn't seem fair that all the students get the same grade. Any suggestions?
One of the challenges of student groups is not all members may get along. In a way, I think it is good because it teaches them how to deal with conflict in the workplace. You don't always get along with your peers, but you need to respect them.
My biggest challenge when using groups is the grading of individuals in that group. But I have noticed some of the biggest challenges for the students are not only communication but having to trust the other students in the group to do there part.
There are 3 that come immediately to mind.
1. Groupthink. Sometimes in group settings, members will suppress a desire to voice differing opinions for fear of being viewed negatively by the group. Consequently, the group becomes a concurrence-seeking entity void of varying ideas and opinions.
2. Informal Leader Emerges. This is not always bad, but in some instances, the informal leader has a dictatorial personality and uses it to dominate and intimidate other group members.
3. Non-contributors are often never exposed because none of the other group members want to be viewed by their peers as snitches.
The different learning styles of adult learners is always challenging in group situations. I try to be aware of dynamics and to be available to assist or "break up" those that are becoming to "cliquish". I often see one person in the group becoming too overbearing and have to remind all should be equal.
In my experience, there is always a natural "leader" of the group who tends to dominate discussions and project planning. Other more timid students simply fade into the background. Then, there is generally a student who prefers to have all other members of the group do all, or at least the vast majority of, the work on any given project. Although I realize this dynamic is simple human nature, it can be extremeley frustrating to watch from an instructor's perspective.
In my experience there are generally two problems that I encounter in respect to group work. One is that certain members can dominate the discussion and/or workload, while others, partly as a result, become passive and hesitate to become part of the group. The second problem is that students (in my classes students often have multiple classes with one another) become so friendly with one another that either during or after the assignment, personal discussions begin to dominate the group dynamic.
The biggest problem I have with group projects is keeping all the sdtudents involved. some tend to let the others do all the work.
Wow, thank you. The idea of a charter is excellent!
I find that students really don't like being dependent on each other. They want to move at their own pace and resent the fact that they have to work with others for a grade.
They can get very mean when they think that their grade is possibly going to be lowered because someone else is not on top of their game.
I agree. Personality type exposure will help the student acclimate in the workforce. There will always be the "go - getter" and the "slacker". It is important to have this exposure. I love group work.
Hi Shelley!
Have you taken the opportunity to read the discussion stream posts? If not, please take that opportunity as there are many suggestions. But one thing I have learned is that group work can be challengin under the best circumstances, but is workable. And - I really thing that it is important to tie this process to teamwork.
You might have a teachable moment and identify the teambuilding process - storming, forming, norming, performing and disbanding. This really helps students understand the importance of the group process as it relates to the expectations of employers.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
The biggest problem that I have encountered in using student groups is a "divide & conquer" mentality. I teach at a culinary school. I emphasize that the students actually need to work as a GROUP so that everyone in the group knows what is going on & so that they could individually replicate the product. Ofen though, the students will split up & not be knowlegable about other members' contribution. When I see this happening, I question the individuals about what the other members are doing & the importance of being aware. I frequently use the term "team" instead of the word "group" to encourage interaction & use sports teams as an analogy. Can someone recommed other ways of encouraging a true group effort?
The challenges that I have encountered is miscommunication and levels of goal achievement. Some students strive for achieving an A while others are happy with a C. Conflict resolution tactics can be limited, thus when a conflict occurs, members may not have methods in place to work through these challenges. I have found that a charter can help minimize miscommunication and increase team expectations. Ground rules written by the team in a charter can enhance communication and expectations between each member.
The biggest challenge to me is grading the group effort. No matter how I structure the groups (random, student choice, whatever) the students tell me that there are some stars and some empty stretches of space. When students self-evaluate, I find that the empty stretches of space vigorously defend their work in the group and claim the others are unfair to them, to such a degree that it does make me wonder whether there's a personality conflict. I've gotten to the point where I hate grading group assignments, and only do in-class groups on a pass/fail basis.
I've been a part of many student groups throughout my Bachelors and Masters programs. After attempting online groups, I have a whole new appreciation for in class groups! The biggest challenge is to write a group paper virtually. Not fun, and although I understand the intended objectives, I disagree that it is effective. However, an in-class experience is much different, and beneficial. Teamwork is essential to the work environment, and learning to work with different types of personalities and learning abilities allows the leaders to emerge, and the followers to hopefully follow rather than remain "stuck".
Hi Deb - I have experienced similar challenges as a student. Having all group members pulling their weight is a major boon. As an instructor, I find that periodically checking in with each group and asking pointed questions of the group and/or individuals helps. If someone isn't contributing it becomes obvious. Then I can proceed from there and try to guide the group into higher productivity.
Personalities are often a challenge. Some people do not get along and they allow it to interfere with completing the tasks.
Another major issue I have experienced as both a student and instructor is the work ethics of individuals. Some people assume they can kick back and relax and let the rest of the group do the work. Others say they will do something and then don't do it. There have even been times when students have come to class on the day the group is to give the presentation.
Hi Nancy!
Group work is challenging! One suggestion is that you grade both the group work and individual work. Please take a moment to review the posts if you haven't - some very good ideas there.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
