small groups
Is it better just to choose random students for groups? Or first evaluate each student and then assign students in groups to help with diversity?
During the first day of observation, I use the icebreaker to observe how the students interact with each other. Then I group the students with a strong member in each group. From there I balance out the diversity.
Hello RoQuanda!
I agree that team work is critically important. But I do encourage instructors/teams to support that individual who is just not a person who can work in a team environment. This means that the team should make the effort to put that person where they can feel productive and accomplished.
Good work!
Jane davis
ED106 Facilitator
I enjoy putting students in worki8ng group. A good team is a diverse team of indivduals. A good team can help everyone develop
Hi Amy!
I encourage instructors to discuss group process/dynamics prior to placing students. This will help students understand the reason for what they are doing. Then when they are given the assignment, they have a better idea of how to get started in forming the group.
Forming
Norming
Storming
Performing
Disbanding
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think observe students first. Then you can place them better.
Because we start new students every 20 days my class population is varied with students who have been in the program for a while to students who are brand new I will make a senior student team leader and place new students accordingly. And if I have students who do not get along well, I will put them in a group together, closely monitored, so that they can try to work it out on their own. I will only step in if there are problems. I have had great success with this approach. Students soon learn the value of teamwork and tolerance.
Hi Johnny!
I like to use several approaches when putting groups together. Random placement, learning more about students then placing, allowing students to choose group members, assigning numbers, etc. Most important - I like for students to have the opportunity to learn from those changes.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
