Assign tasks for each person in the group. Stop frequently to check the status of the groups progress.
I'm still somewhat of a novice nursing instructor; one year full-time and two years as clinical adjunct. It's fairly easy to get students working together in small 3-4 group on a particular medical unit because working together (being a team) is critical for success in a nursing career. Also in the clinical setting, because we're providing patient care, it's easier for students who are distance to each other in the classroom to focus on the patient's needs versus any personally clashes.
I've not used group projects as of yet but have been a member of several group projects in my master's program and in my PhD course work. I never really liked group projects but I did have some great professors who established for the beginning of the semester, specific timelines and final grading rubrics. I believe the strategy of periodic "check points" and group formations from the beginning of the semester to the final presentation at the end of the semester definitely provided guidance and accountability for each of the groups. Regardless of the group's personal dynamics, we didn't have time to not divide up the work or to let personalities clashes get in the way of getting the project done on time and creating a well prepared presentation.
Now, that I'm feeling more confident in my role as faculty, I would like to prepare similarly planned group projects.
I have found most groups work at a good pace but you will always have some that waste time. I always make my way around the lab and ask questions. also to see how they are doing. I
think you need to spend time with them but not take over some require more time than others. So its always different.
Mary,
this is a great idea for learning groups focused on the tasks/material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When I place my students into groups. I always try to put advance students with student that might need help. I always keep checking each group to make sure they stay on coarse.
Mariann,
very true & a lot of this comes down to realistic time frames for completion.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Good strategies were outlined in this material and I think it is very important to keep groups on task and from going ahead too far or getting too far behind. Either way it is not beneficial for the class or the students involved.
Brianne,
this is a great idea & can be used in the overall assessment process too.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Do weekly check ins with the group as a whole and also meet with the individuals themselves to get an idea how well they are working together and how the project is coming along.
I break the work down to a set of task's. Each task is reasonably timed. This tends to keep the students from drifting off. I monitor the groups to insure I can help with any issues that arise.
I have employed a student group leader. I challenge each group leader to keep their group on task. I found that by giving a student added responsibility, he/she seems to thrive and rise up to the challenge.
I agree with the keeping the pace. By establishing timelines of completion and reiterating them throughout the course it helps to keep the students on task.
I like to give each group an initial in class brain-storming or 'process' work time in order to bounce ideas off each other. Then, we share the results of each group with the class. This gives each group the benefit of observing successful group solutions formed by other groups and we discuss the outcomes together.
I find this approach acts as an 'ice-breaker' and helps them develop better interaction skills, also a bit of competition with the other groups.
After this initial process work in class I help them organize their group members into specific responsibilities.
I like to make the assignment competitive in some way. Students enjoy the challenge of competing with classmates, friends, and peers. It also helps everyone to stay involved and on track because they seem to all want the bragging rights.
Monitoring the progress of the group on daily basis. Accomodate suggestions, and ideas. Checking if they are in the right track.
CoCintheane,
these are all great methods & steps to make the groups successful; I especially like your covering the nature & purpose of groups, I think this is something we neglect too often.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I love student groups even though they can be a BIG HUGE challenge. I put them in groups after we talk about the nature and purpose of the groups. I allow them time in each class meeting about their group project so I can see who is working or slacking off, if any. Then I tell them to make sure that they share contact info with each other. I have them to give me progress updates on a bi-monthly basis. This has to be in writing. They also have to do a Peer Evaluation form at the end but can not evaluate and rate themselves. I have formal forms for them to fill out as well and it is % of their grade. It is confidentially done so that each person is FREE to be WHOLLY HONEST!!!!!
david,
this is a key aspect of successful group projects & keeping all engaged.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Making sure each student has a specific responsibility.
Ann,
this is a great technique to do as it's a gentle, quiet reminder to stay focused.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
