There are always the problem of students who will take too much control and the students who stay passive. The other thing that I see way too often is the students who will make excuses to do nothing so that others have to step up to the plate to complete the group task--and the one who does nothing gets same credit for the whole group project. Any suggestions?
When forming the groups in the begining of the term we may not be able to have enough information about each student to create perminant groups. So what works for me Iassign floating groups of 5 to 6 people so each project becomes more of an ownership role for all the students.
I enjoy using group exercises in my class because it enhances their interactions with one another in a way that they wouldn't do on their own. I use random assignment which breaks up the social cliques who tend to sit together. I'm looking to create a new project that will require a group effort but it gets tricky when you break it down to individual components that will be interconnected to the group presentation. I want to be sure that students pull their own weight and are graded accordingly.
Greeting Laurie!
I couldn't agree more that group work is a great preparation tool. I am not really fond of group work for grade because no matter how carefully and throughtfully instructors try to put a group together, human nature being what it is, the groups are often very unsuccessful.
I like your approach to real life preparation in group work.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I agree with Scott about personality conflicts within groups. I usually use this as a career skill for my students though. I explain to them the importance of adapting to their environment and learning to professionally disagree with others. This is the perfect time to teach them that we cannot control the actions of others but we surely have control over our reactions.
I also use the group's different personality types as a tool to learn how to deal with different personalities that the student will work with in a dental office. Due to the small size of most dental offices, it is critical to learn to be respectful of others & work well as a team. Group exercises in the classroom are a great preparation tool.
Sometimes in larger classes it is harder to keep them focused on the task at hand as well as for the students to realize the purpose and benefits of working in groups.
Greetings Joel!
Would you please expound on your comments a little more?
Thanks,
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Some of the challenges of having students work in groups seem to be related to level of maturity. Some of the 'adult' students have only recently left home, or graduated from high school...they have picked up some time wasting habits. In these short and intense classes, we don't have time to waste. So far I have not had any conflicts with personality with my students...thankfully! Trying to convince my students to work with individuals they do not know well can be difficult at times. 'Grown-ups' can be set in their ways.
Some challenges of using student groups are:
For online - the time differences.
For face-to-face - work schedules.
The biggest challenge I have encountered is that although casual groups are formed each class, I have had one student not wanting to work in the group and just worked independently. After taking this course, if that happens again I would explain in advance that everyone must participate in groups that are assigned. One doesn't have the luxury in the work-place to say they do or don't want to work with someone. One can gain insight and experience from working with all kinds of students. Thank you.
I Like this approach Loren! The stronger students will often just take over the the weaker will do of 2 things - totally withdraw and/or don't produce quality work.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
The biggest challenge that I have witnessed with student groups are that less aggressive students; more challenged learners tend to lean heavily on the "better" student. I have tried to speak to this issue when constructing groups and put students on specific tasks as part of their contribution to the group.
The biggest problem I have with student groups are the students that don't show up to class. them they want to know how they can do make up work. How does a student make up group work as an individual?
Hi Stephen!
Good for you! All of us must learn to deal with day to day challenges. Would you share some of your success stories, please?
Thanks,
Jane David
ED106 Facilitator
I actually find that one of the biggest challenges for me dealing with student groups is trying to NOT intervene. It is important that the students learn to solve problems or deal with conflict on their own. At the first sign of challenge students often immediately turn to me to resolve the issue. I will guide them as necessary, but I also turn the issue back on them and most times they can actually resolve the issue themselves if they just take the time to work it out and think it through.
Scott,
This is exactly what I tell my students. There are going to be times on the job individuals will not get along and the student needs to understand this. This is also a good lerning tool on how to handle these challanges.
Drama, drama, drama! Some students have formulated a preconceived dislike for certain classmates. Student groups can certainly assist in overcoming these feelings but this can backfire and create animosity. I find that some students just will not should the load for a group project and wind up with a reputation of being a "slacker" - then no other classmates will want to work with them on their team.
I find that one of the biggest challenges when I have students work in groups is balancing the weaker student participation with the participation of my strong students. This is especially so with lab classes,( which most of our classes are). It seems it is just too easy for the weaker or slow student to allow the others in the group to do all or most of the work. This of course only compounds a weak student's problem, for they never really learn the competency properly if they do not participate.
Carol Kravitz
Hi Scott,
I agree personalities can clash preventing a good outcome to the task. Often if time is expected outside of the classroom for adult learner’s life can get in the way therefore, creating issues for the best of friends.
Students would benefit being considerate of everyone’s point of view in the team to enhance the thought process.
