When students gather around and begin to get off the subject. I sit in with them not saying anything and they quickly get on track again. When I hear they are back on track, I get up and go to the next group. This takes 10 seconds or so. I find it works.
Tell them how long they will have to complete assignment; advise that each person needs to participate and complete a task. The point is to complete it as a group but work on it together and also have individual assignments.
William,
groups really can be an effective learning tool/environment for the students & as you said having clear expectations is key.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel using groups and making sure the students interact with each is a great learning tool. Giving them feedback throughout their lab time helps insure they stay on track and complete their tasks. Making sure they understand what is required to complete their tasks is very important to the success of that task. If they do not understand the requirements it is hard for them to stay engaged and interested. You will always have those who are afraid to work in groups because they are not sure of each other. Showing them that you are aware of what is happening in the group and letting them know that they are graded individually will help them to stay involved and participate within the group.
John,
this is one of the best ways to keep the groups on task & focused.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
More often than not I personally like to keep the task very specific with good orientation as to how and what needs to be achieved
Bronzel,
this is a great point & one we should all consider.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I make sure the assignments fit the students' skills and abilities. A quick way to kill the spirit of a group is to give assignments that are too difficult for them.
Ana,
this is so true & so important, the organization & planning. Groups should not be used because I don't know what else to do, but as a result of careful planning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is essential to be organized when utilizing groups in order to have successful outcomes. An instructor should present the groups with the assignment objectives and goals, then break down the assignment into smaller chunks. It is important to inform students how they will be evaluated on the group assignment. Finally, it's important to assign roles (if needed) to help facilitate group work.
Judy,
and this is a great way to put those expectations & accountability in front of them right away.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
On the syllabi, I list due dates for outlines,rough drafts and finals so that the students in the group are actively working together and not waiting till last minute.
Wendi ,
this is a great strategy & really more representative of how real life work projects are coordinated & conducted.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to provide students with an outline of the assignment and what they need to present about the topic. If I see they are getting off track or not spending their class time to work on the project I ask them to explain to me what areas of the assignment they have covered. If it is a long project I could set deadlines for each part to help keep students motivated to stay on course.
Lindsey,
this is a great example of how the groups can exert positive peer pressure to encourage participation by all members.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Lindsey,
this is a great example of how the groups can exert positive peer pressure to encourage participation by all members.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that group exercises are extremely demanding (and fun)for the the moderator. I literally run from group to group keeping them pointed in the right direction. When a group starts to outpace the others, I suggest a little side trip for them which requires some free thinking and slows them down a bit. When they discover that not all groups have made the same trip they are generally eager to share what they have learned from it.
I have found that when the students select the group they want to be in they are all fairly productive. They usually do well at getting on the one person who may not be contributing to the group. I walk around the room and engage with each group by asking them questions and giving positive feedback. It helps keep them on task because I'm present.
I think this is a great idea as well. I am going to try this next time I split students into groups.
I will ask for a progress report from the group at the next class.
