When its a new class, I assign members to groups randomly. That way I can see how they interact and can also avoid complaints of why different people were put together. In future groups I can then adjust dynamics to allow for even skill levels.
I do it by personality. Also I simulate work my mixing really different types as well.
Having group projects is a good way to build student into groups and is also a good way to intorduce team building.
Depending on classroom size and environment I would establish the first class work groups by random selection. Assuming they're sitting in some type of order in the classroom, I'd pick them according to group size, student #1 in group 1, student #2 in group 2, student #3 in group three, student #4 in group 1 and so on. Depending on the success of this exercise would help me to determine the selection process for my next work group selections.
I have organized students in groups for them to do a presentation on a chapter that we had discussed. Based on where the students were in the course as a whole I assigned the various parts of the chapters accordingly. For example, it was a chapter on ICD 9 coding. For those who had just started I assigned the history and for those who were moving on to advanced coding I assigned a portion of the chapter that was more specific to where they were going next. They all really enjoyed it and got alot out of it.
Hi Suzanne!
I like this! I much prefer those short group activities rather than those semester assignments. I think this is where we get in trouble in group work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Richard!
What do you mean by "variou random methods"? Please expound!
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
Hi Richard!
So - how do you select the students to put the small groups together?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Equal numbers per small groups
I have used various random methods to identify groups. The key is that I believe the random approach provides the opportunity for better group diversity and learning amoung the participants.
Hi Caroline!
All very good reasons to continue struggling with helping students do group work which can be a difficult process. I say struggling as there seem to always be some challenge with groups of different people having expected outcomes.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
Depending on what the assignment will be given for the groups depends on how I have divided the group.
For instance today, the activity was to identify the meaning of each combining form on the white board. Each group was in a separate room with the same 20 combining forms on the board. Using only their knowlege and working as a team they were to identify the meaning of each. I only have 8 students with a mix of newer students vs. seasoned students. I separated the 2 most seasoned students, the 2 less knowledgeable students and then the new students. It worked out well and of course the 2 groups wanted the bragging rights of who got the most correct. Although I never meant it to be a competition, the students thoroughly enjoyed it and really liked the activity and were surprised that they knew more than they thought.
Hi Michael!
Getting past assigning students to groups is a big first step in the group process. It is difficult to put the right students together under the best laid plans. Helping them gel is the next big step.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
Earle, I don't think there is an easy way to build groups. It seem there is always dissatisfied or doesn't work well in the appointed and/or selected group.
But we keep trying! Good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I believe that organizing students into groups is a good way to increase student participation and interest in the topic that is being taught.
I agree that random selection is a good way to select students because the individuals will make more of an effort to do their part because they are not working with their friends. It also gives them the opportunity to work collaboratively to complete the assignment, and listen to the opinions of others.
Group up strong stundents with the weaker students ,so there is a good balance.
Have the students pick numbers out of a hat. This way they are with students that they might not have interacted with in the past.
When I organize students into groups, I strive to organize the groups in a manner that will allow for more diversity. I very rarely will aloow the students to choose who will be in their group. I like to organize the groups by assigning a number to each student and then allowing all of the same students with the corresponding number gather into their group. If gives the students a chance to get to know each other and how they all play a role in a group project.
Hi Pamela!
Please provide a little more info on how you make the strategy work.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Splitting up student cliques and making them work with those they normally don't interact with reinforces that they will have to integrate themselves into a varied workforce.
