Initially the group parameters and goal-tasking are setup according to the requirements of the class. Close instructor monitoring of group activities can keep the discussion moving towards goal achievement.
I have them to work in groups because it helps them throw out different informative information.
Hi Greg!
Food always works! While they do group work, provide a snack you brought from home. Keep it simple though. So type of contest between groups or a simple reward system - keep it fun! I'm have the same thought as you - it should be positive.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
This can be though to do, keeping student groups to stay on course and be productive. A lot of times I say if you are not working on your project then you are not here and I will count you as absent. Is there a better way would love to hear some new ways. My way works to some degree but very negative.
I do believe check points are necessary for structure and keeping groups on task. This also put responsibility back on group members to complete assignments on time.
One of my objectives with group work is the development of leadership. As I monitor the groups, I would identify emerging group leaders. These individual would serve as group spokepersons in the larger classroom setting. They can serve as moldels for other more "reserved" students.
Hi Earl!
I like your approach. Once you have started with the simple activities, how do you build to the next level?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I believe relevancy is the key. If they can cnnect the assignment with some specific skill for their career with help them focus more on the task.
It is important to provide stucture, a doable assignment, proper diversity of group. It is important to give simple activities at first. Each participant must contribute to the assignment. I would have each group present their ideas to see who generated the best ideas.
Good job Eon! Thanks for sharing your group strategy.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
When I put my students in study groups, I make a game out of it. After all the groups finish their tasks I give a oral pop quiz, with each group being a team. I ask the questions, a team is eliminated by not answering the qustion correctly. The last team remaining receives a prize.
I use three strategies to help student groups stay on course and be productive. First I set a timeline this action makes them accountable for their time. Two, lay out measureable milestones that can be achieved with efficient time management. Lastly try to diversify the group make up as much as possible, this strategy normally force a leader out of the group and develops a good comfort factor between the students.
What seems to help is to give each group a different section of the subject matter. Thus the groups are all working on different assignments and can learn from the other groups when completed. They then share all their assignments with each group and you have multiple sections of the subject matter reviewed.
Check points are great for all
help for instructor to know the where abouts of the lesson and to keep the groups on task
also if any misunderstanding arouse help will be availible at the right time
have group divide the project into phases with a deadline for each phase. this will help keep groups on a timeline as well as the accountability of the participation from each of its members
I have found that students need check points and time lines. For example, the articles and annotated bibliography are due in advance. Then the outline is due. Then finally the presentation.
Keeping the groups to a minimum of 6-8 students gives each student time to contribuite their thoughts and ideas. The groups need to know what the objective is that they are to accomplish. Working in groups also gives the students a sense of what teamwork is.
First thing to be established is a clear goal for the group. Second priority is to establish a defined time period to complete the goal within. If the learning group does not have a goal, and a time constraint, they will very quickly lose focus. The instructor should also move from group to group spending a minute or two, making sure progress is being made by the team.
I have projects in my course that require 4 member groups to complete. The projects take 3 weeks to finish, but I set mini goals to keep them on track.
