Organizing Groups
I have found being diverse with age, ethnicity, and educational level produces a much greater outcome
I'll assign them randomly as well, not only does it let the student get used to working with others, but it allowed them to do a self-evaluation of their skills compared to those of their teammates...
Definitely, the more diverse the group the better. Each brings their unique perspective to a topic and increases the students' tolerance and respect level, which is vital in the workplace
Hi Sandi!
It's helps student learn about other people and accept differences. I like the different points of view that I gain from a wide variety of people.
The other benefit is that it can help that individaul who struggles in group settings become more socially adept.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think that students need to learn to work with people that they may not always be convertable with, because in the workplace they may not always work with the same group and must learn to work with a variety of people. I usually have the students count off this seems to work well.
How do you go about diversifing your groups when all students are on a level field with age, experiance, and demographic?
Throughout a class, I will often give my students informal style group meetings (such as giving a group of students a topic to informally teach another group). I've tried both randomly assigning groups or letting them choose. I have found that when they can choose, although they are happier, they are less productive and gossip more.
The problem with allowing students to pick with whom they will work is that you can get consistent groups across classes, and in a small school, they may stay together for the whole degree program. That means they don't know the broader spectrum, and it may be that the "better" students cluster and the other really feel left out.
I like assigning the groups randomly. In the program that I teach in, the students are together in the same classes for a long period of time and I find that they are more likely to work with the people that they have grown close with. It is nice seeing them get to know the other students who may think and feel a little different then the ones that they have a lot in common with.
I prefer that the students pick someone that they can relate and work with , which creates a better learning enviroment .
Hi Anne-Marie!
I agree! But will this happen in the workplace where a group of people have to become a team. I'm always concerned about being too selective in putting groups together.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Jill!
Your right on! Group work does indeed provide a more authentic learning experience. Just think how valuable a new employee is when they are able to be an intregal part of a team.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
Organizing students in groups promotes higher level thinking; develops criticalthinking;improves student motivation; builds interpersonal relationships and improves social skills; helps students learn problem-solving skills;creates a “safe†environment in which students are less afraid to make mistakes; provides a more authentic learning experience. Furthermore, it allows students to achieve a better understanding of concepts and succeed at activities they would not be able to do alone.
