mindy,
this small act really does help to keep the groups on task & on target & we can intervene before things get too out of control.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
As a teacher walking around to each group asking questions and answering theirs helps to keep the student groups on coarse.
Most of my classes contain 40-50 students so group work can be hard to manage in these numbers. I usually visit and listen to each group for a couple of minutes and only interject if prompted. I instead take the time to listen and evaluate the group dynamics and encouraging participation with non-verbal communication such as nods of affirmation. I will assess some discussion commonalities as well as evaluate if the majority of groups are ignoring key points and redirect. This can be a time consuming task but in large groups, student group work is effective.
This is actually an excellent idea. I really never gave this a thought about the groups not working ahead.
Crissia,
yes, I agree that clarity in our group assignments is key to helping the groups stay on task & find success in the projects.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that setting clear goals and expecations help, as well as milestones for when different stages of the group project are due (if applicable). Sometimes working with the students to set their own milestones especially as they relate to how they are breaking down the work among themselves and who is responsible for what can also be most helpful as it assists them in figuring out how to break work down into manageable pieces and how to function in a team environment.
This is a great idea and one I will have to use in the future. I have noticed how easy it is for groups to get off topic while I am trying to help another group through a difficult step in the process. If they have notes at the end, I can also tell if they have misunderstsood something that is making the task harder for them and clarify or redirect them.
Doreen,
yes, we need to work hard to keep track of every group & to keep them on task.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
keep track of each group. Have them all share what they are working on with the other groups. have the groups give progress notes
Rebecca,
I think this is a great strategy as it helps the group stay on a definite track & timetable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We have assigned spefic tasks to be completed each day of class for group projects, the tasks have due dates assigned. This provides clear expectations to the group members and their goal for each day and end of each week of the term. The groups are also responsible for a providing a presentation for their assignments.
In my lab my students are split into groups of 4 or so. Each student gets a Lab Practical for each module that consists of laboratory procedures and tests that my graduates must be proficient at when entering the field. It is an assignment, not a suggestion and is graded as such at the end of each module. They also have a record in which to keep all other procedures done during the program. In this way I can assure that the students are confident performing these procedures as well as monitor what things they need more instruction on. This allows my students to work effectively in groups while staying on task for their own needs as well and encourages good team work.
Students are given a specific assignment/case study to complete within a given timeframe which generally is effective in keeping them focused
Charles,
this is a nice effective strategy to ensure that each member of the group is pulling his/her weight as they have to do it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By assigning individual memebers of a group specific work that 'he" has to accomplish - eliminate "hiding" or letting someone else do all the work.
Barbara,
this is a great idea to get them remotivated or reconnected after the break (this works well with business meetings too by the way).
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always have my students do a "group activity" after lunch or break time. They tend to be sluggish after eating, so I try to make them move around for 10-15 minutes when they first come back.
Glenn,
great idea as it helps each student know what they should do & helps the group move forward.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to use a check list for each group/tasks. This ensures that each member is working toward the common goal.
I always make sure to give student groups an outline to work with, and we go over the instructions together in case there are any questions. I also walk around the room while they are working. I am able to check on them and they can easily ask me questions.
