I let the student pick the groups.
Then state to the students they will be permitted change groups if needed
to accommodate learning speeds and participation.
Some students are faster learners than others.
I separate students by personalities, weaknesses, and strengths. I try to keep things evenly distributed. A mantra I live by is formality breeds contempt; therefore, I pair individuals with others they are not familiar with.
Random selection seems to work the best. I usually have them pull from a hat a number that assigns them to a specific group. Once in the group, they may not change their group. They are instructed that in a work environment, we may not be able to select who we have to work with, and part of the learning process may be working with others who are uncooperative or do not do their share.
3 ways to organize students into groups:
- self select
- form groups based on diversity
- form groups mixing in levels of students mastery of topic for peer learning
My preference is to personally deciding on the amount of students that will be in a group and let students select their own team members. In this way a sense of group dynamic is immediately established. Communication and working relationship is easier between team members. After, students decide on their team members, and there are still students without teams, I will ask the remaining students to negotiate their way into a team of their choice.
My classes are usually small so I tend to divide in groups of two. When doing so I always try to make make sure to assign students that complement each other.
I will usually assign the groups myself. This is effective because, when given the opportunity, friends will choose friends. Although it is nice to work with someone you like, I don't want anyone in my class feeling left out. I make the groups as diverse as possible to ensure the best possible outcomes
Greetings!
I think that is really depends on the makeup of each class when assigning groups. I like a class where groups just naturally form - that's when the best success can be achieved.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I usually allow the students to decide what groups they are in but than some times I will assign groups.
I admit, I like the randomness and its outcomes by having students number-off. It is somewhat like life and the field in which I instruct: You get what you get. Make something positive happen.
Hi Deborah!
A great approach to building groups. I am curious how you grade group work?!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I always provide students with options as far as group work
we first discuss responsibilities and then proceed with the objective of the group exercise
and finalyy we select groups
This is very similar to what I do on the first session. I think it is very effective and helps to break the ice. Sometimes I do a bit of variation on this and pair them up and interview each other with similar questions, and then they have to introduce each other to the class. It takes the focus off of them when they are talking and relaxes them more.
I usually organize them into random groups. To do this, I have them count off and then I organize by numbers, sometimes I have them fill out a slip of paper and pull names from a hat. I usually allow for class time to get their groups organized, exchange information and get started on the project. Occasionally, I will let the students select who they want in their group if it is a larger assignment. However, this usually results in a few students being "left out" and I have to pair them up with a group anyway. I feel this is better though for group projects that are larger. Since they know each other, they will feel more comfortable getting together outside of the school environment. Finally, I feel that group work is essential to the college environment, it teaches them teamwork, communication and the important skill of being flexible.
I like to have groups of students in different groups who have a variety of strengths. This is a way the stronger students can help others. It also allows for different opinions.I encourage group work. When the students get out in the work place they will do better if they have good group skills.
I will sometimes pair up strength with weakness depending on the task. or the students count 1,2 3, and I pair up the all the 1's, 2's 3's. This usually works well for diversity. The key is break up friends or clicks and get people to work with other students.
Depending on the subject to be learned and keeping in mind the group diverse talents that can help each other in achieving the task assigned.
Sandra, I like your method, it goes one step further than other mathods I've seen. What is the ideal number for your method?
Working in an online environment, I have used the the following criterion when forming learning teams:
1. Gain an understanding of the time zone each student resides or is currently living during the duration of the course.
2. Completing a minimum of two assessments to understand the level of student participation and mastery of the work completed up to this point in the course.
3. Student preferences through email requests.
Considering these criterion, when forming learning teams, has shown very good results.
Best!
Nicholas
The way that I organize student groups depends on the type of class being taught. If it is first terms students then I might say look to the person on your right/left or someone who is wearing the same color and get to know them. If it is Career Management where they are getting ready for externship then I make them change seats every week so that they can network and get to know someone that they have never talked to before. For some of my other classes, I may choose the groups based on personalities, strengthens and weaknesses or just randomly count by number so that friends cannot work together.
