Organizing student learning groups
There must be a clear plan for the discussion,
that's the instructor's job. Before selecting
the groups, I have an observation session of my
own. We have a "get to know you" discussion.
Each student tells the class about his/her hobbies, favorit books they've read even likes or
dislikes about attending school.
The stronger, more outspoken students I will choose to seperate placing them in the groups
last after making up the group itself. I feel
it's important to have balance.
In organizing student learning groups, one of the objectives is to maintain diversity within the groups, but I also try to help students see that they have many things in common as well. At the beginning of the class I sometimes pair students off and have them interview each other, asking a variety of questions about their personal lives, career aspirations, academic pursuits and expectations for the class. In addition they must also find out at least two things that each one has in common with the other. This helps students to get to know one another, as well as helps me in selecting members for learning groups.
You are so right, Ceola. Getting to know your students is important in planning group activities.
Hello! Ceola,
I like the idea. I will try it in my class. I usually stretch the "get to know you" part throughout the term. When we do group work I do the numerical count off of 1 and 2. I watch the group dynamics as the project goes along.
Thank you!
I feel it is important to balance the learning group. I teach culinary and there are a lot of students who want to show all the other students "how good they are". If I create a learning group of "show offs" with "learners" the group sometimes get displaced. For me it is sometimes best to place all the learners together and all the show-off together and move each group through the learning objectives separately. Then assess each group with reference to work effort, compliance to objectives in the learning modual, and participation.
I use alot of group activities in class. I have students get to know each other first, in terms of their strengths and weakness and where the students are in the sequence of their courses. I would want someone with more advanced computer skills with someone with less skills, etc. I also give theory on group dynamics and how this helps with their career choice.
I agree with you on a leader for a group, so next time I have them be the follower. My only downfall with these groups is if one or two students are not pulling their own weight, there can be choas in the ranks.
I always have a strong student in each group to help the other students.
Hi Ceola!
I really like the idea of a "get to know you" discussion. This certainly opens the door for developing positive relationship and learning environment.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
