The new dynamic created by the formation of small groups energizes the classroom.
I feel it is very positive it gives student a chance to share there knowledge in a small forum, it gives them a chance to share a different experience ,not just the ones from the instructor,it also gives them a chance to know each other better!
Students are more likely to participate when they are with their peers.
I've noticed when I put my students in groups they become more responsive and if its a game activity they get real competitive. Its so much to fun watch and participate with them.
Putting students into learning groups will provide individual students participate and share their insight or feedback/opinion/ideas which otherwise will not have a chance due to time constrint.Putting students into learning groups will also enrich their knowledge and foster accountability and better relationship with each student.
I feel that a positive outcome of putting students into groups is the confidence that students gain at being able to share their knowledge.
I think that one of the best outcomes of putting students into learning groups is that they can share their knowledge/ability with each other. This can really help to show the students that they are able to apply the concepts from the class into their own verbage.
It makes for a relaxed atmosphere where students are more likely to share their ideas with others.
-Jeff
I think they gain a personal respect for each other, find that they can work together. Students become excited to participate in the classroom experience.
By putting students into groups, students that otherwise would be too shy to participate in front of a large class, can feel more comfortable and at ease and will show you that they can participate and are a part of the class. Additionally, group work is a great precursor for what will come in most careers. The practice students acquire now will pay off in the future when they need to work in a group for their jobs.
The students gain from each other’s experiences and knowledge. They learn about being part of team and working as whole which is extremely important for their career.
Positive Outcomes can allow students to understand different backgrounds, other students learning abilities, and personality traits.
Working in a group can bring different opinions and ideas into the project. Group work helps with time management, team work and propares the student to work on projects in the real world.
In the field that I instruct, team work is used to help patients through surgery. By using learning groups, it helps the students understand the importance of working together as a team.
I have gotten some of those same results. Really like to see some of the shy students open up in these situations
Hi Joann!
Why do you think keeping groups small makes students more accountable for their actions and how do you help students tie accountability to the workforce?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Keeping groups small is a good way to keep students more accountable for their actions.
Placing students in learning groups facilitates classroom participation. It can often help that shy student who finds it hard to speak up. The class room dynamics can be formed with the addition of learning groups, as person's personalities will start to show (often see who the "team leaders" are).
You are correct in stating that placing a shy student in a group is a great way to help that student. I've found that by initialling pairing that shy student with one other student to complete an assignment has helped to boost that shy students self confidence. Depending on how shy the student is, if that student is placed in a group, of say three individuals, that shy individual may retreat. When teamed with one other individual that person will give input.
Some individuals are more comfortable talking to one person first and then other individuals are introduced gradually. Sometimes, a group has to be built depending on the array of students in the class.
Parents can participate without feeling that they are being put on the spot. By being in groups, it allows students to learn from other students in the group.
