Group work
As an IT instructor, I have found that group work helps all my students. In teaching computers, I normally have a very diverse population in regards to student PC knowledge. There are always the ones who already have a strong skill set and others who have never used a PC before. I try to balance my group by my observations of skill sets and assign specific roles for each group member. This allows for the more knowledgeable ones to assist the others and gain experience in sharing their skills while the other gain from learning from their peers.
Depending on the time available and subject matter I'll oftimes ask for "plan B", with this being common knowlege with the students they will listen to and think through ideas that may not have a strong initial presentation within the group. It is not uncommon that with continued conversation, that plan B may take the forefront. This does not work in all curcumstances as Plan A may be the clearcut choice, but knowing that I may ask for an alternative idea/presentation students consider other opportunities as well as the main focal point.
Good question Davis!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Robert:
Expand a little. How do you "modify the dynamic a bit" to assure that the group memebers give a hearing to minority views?
Thanks,
David
When in school I dislike working in groups.
I've never been comfortable with the dynamic for "majority rule" and the loss of ideas that are never well thought through before their demise. Now that I am facilitating groups, I try to monitor the dynamic a bit to insure that all ideas are fully presented before being dismissed or built upon. I think this keeps everyone active in the discussions and insures that all members have ownership for the outcome.
I love to do group work projects to get them away from the lecture side of the class. I try to plan a group project for at least once a semester if not two times. It really brings them out of their shells and gets them excited about learning more about the subject we are studying. It also gets my quiet students to open up and share with their fellow students.
Hi Krystal!
Classroom group experience can be very rewarding. On the other hand, instructors have to ensure that the group/team process is described in a way students understand that positive outcomes are important.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Group work definitely helps my students as well, particularly for projects. Students are able to use their particular abilities to aid in the success of the whole group.
