Group Dynamics
It is interesting to stand back and watch students work after groups are chosen and assignments given. Often the group dynamics between them is entertaining as they have fun while they learn.
I agree that group dynamics in a learning group is a major reason to do it - it's a part of the workplace. Sometimes one particular student will have a personality that others don't like, so they don't want to be in his/her group for class exercises. But group exercises provide opportunities for students to learn ways to work will all types of people as they will in the workplace. I have seen that situation turn itself around.
Some groups have "too many chiefs and not enough indians," as a professor put it to me once. How do you overcome this possible issue?
Yes, you will always have at least one person in the group step up and become leader even if the instructor has not assigned that person as a leader.
I usually put a few in charge of the group. A strong outspoken student and one the opposite to help balance things out.
This follows the family systems approach with the roles that individual members of the group will take on. It does prove for some interesting dynamics!
OFten a class will ask if their class is the best or better than other classes. This is because of the 'class dynamics'. All classes are different and have specific pluses and minuses. Utilizing the dynamics ans using them in your teaching profile allows you to maximize what you can offer the class as an instructor
I agree with you, Matt. There is a possibility that none of the students in a particular group will take the leadership role or that everyone wants to take a leadership role (being over-zealous). These dynamics are what is we see in the real-world and especially the corporate world. The great thing about informal or formal groups is that the students learn "soft" skills (i.e. communication, organization, negotiation, teamwork, constructive criticism). This is what is fascinating to observe.
in my experience, this does not happen all the time. There seem to be too many variables, such as individuals that are willing to work in teams, but if you analyze group dynamics well, you should create marvelous learning experiences as you illustrated.
It's really interesting to see which students take a leadership role - not always the ones you would assume.
Hi Ellen!
When students are having fun, learning is truly taking place.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
