gbolahan,
I think this is a great illustration of knowing your individual classes & what will best meet their learning needs.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As opposed to doing alot of group student learning by default, I treat each class based on my percieved knowledge of student behavior. I have had to encourage independent study and assignment to encourage some students to work, as sometimes such students get lost in the group learning process. It also gives each student a sense of responsibility towards their education. Nonetheless, I love group learning as it improves communication and is more fun.
I often break done the assignment for the group into "mini-assignments". each of the mini-assignmwnts have a specific due date. This keeps the groups focused and on track. This method method also ensures that I know the project is being worked on and can monitor the progress of the assignment.
I create small groups and assign role to the students in each group. Assigning role to each student within a group,creates responsibility for the students to accomplish the task assigned.
I find that it takes careful consideration to pick groups that will have an effective positive outcome at the task at hand. A couple of problems I come up against is the dynamics of aggression or overbearance of others in the group by one or two students, or, a leader of a group the co-ops the others in participating in inappropriate behavior. I know that this sounds rare...and for the most part it is :-) but, I do work with a population of adult learners, who have been marginalized in the educational system. any ideas?
Designate a leader for each group and have the leader report on their status, the group's progress, and to speak for the group.
I believe that the time constraint is problem the key, but depending on the task an instructor could also assign a group/team leader to help keep the group on target.
Robert ,
This is definitely a challenge for all of us as instructors who utilize groups. I too have found that by popping in to the groups here & there they are much more likely to stay on topic & be working.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The toughest part is keeping them focused on the task, not the party the night before or last night's game. I need to make my presence known throughout the room and throughout the various groups.
Richard,
A good point is made here: do we have a good reason for working in groups? Sometimes we use group work just because we should, but if we have a good reason & that is demonstrated to the students I've found they are usually more motivated to work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Richard,
I think one of the most valuable lessons learned from groups is that others have different ways of approaching problems, issues, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
give them a fair amount of work to do and a time frame. if the task is too light students may put the work off and wait until later, thus waisting time and not staying on task
One strategy that can be employed by an instructor would be by using a facilitator to help keep the students focused on the mission. The instructor can be that facilitator or he can ask someone or a group of individuals outside the class to do the same thing. This number of facilitators woud depend on the number in the class and the groups. Having the facilitator or a recorder put their ideas on paper during the brainstorming time and then vote on the top 5 or ten ideas.
An instructor must break up the trouble maker groups and add diversity so that the group dynamic is successful.
as long as we as instructors supervise their work and we assign interesting activities ,and we make them realize the importance of working in team and we make them find exciting that type of activities because they learn in a exciting way they are going to enjoy working in teams
it is important to have the students working in groups because they get used and learn to work with different people and characters beside that they can share different learning styles and experience ,they get familiar with the team work that is essential to acomplish goals
Richard,
Yes this is a huge benefit of group projects & one that will pay significant dividends in their future jobs if they learn it early on.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Andy ,
When teaching about teams I emphasize the difference between a group & a team. In my opinion a team is that when all members are actively engaged in using the diversity of their talents, strengths, abilities & experiences toward achieving a common goal.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Andy ,
I think this comes through a combination of our directions as instructor & developing leadership in the group. This way the path can be clearly laid out & the group can learn a valuable skill of keeping themselves on task.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Andy ,
You make a great point here . When the students know that we are checking in on them they tend to be much more diligent.
Dr. Ryan Meers
