Sonny,
and showing them the grading rubric ahead of time is key so they can be prepared.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Yes, I couldn't agree more on this. This is why class grade rubric is so critical in evaluation. O
I have used a past class in a jury trial scenario with almost-excellent success. I did note the personality differences between a few students, but was more impressed at how maturely they handled these differences as adults, rather than children. I shall do such groupings again in the future.
I feel the key too successful group atmosphere is allowing everyone to take ownership and getting those with "strong" do'er personalities to realize everyone will have the same end result but may get there a different way.. and that is ok.
Candace,
I don't think there is a definite "don't let them choose their own groups" rule, but this can lead to problems as they may tend to group on a social basis, rather than on a getting work done basis. Depending on what the groups are used for, this may or may not be as big of an issue.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have randomly assigned students into groups and also let them choose their own groups. Choosing their own seems to work better with less friction amoung members. This is discouraged in this lesson.
Chloe,
and this is also a good reason to assign particular group roles or functions as it can help each group member contribute more effectively.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Making sure they stay on topic that they are answering for the class. Sometimes they get off topic and or do not know how to share information because that person may feel the others will steal there idea. Another to make sure each group is equally balanced for example: not make all the smart students in one group and all not so smart in another group... each group should have some of each. Thanks eileen szydlowski
When students work in groups it can be a challenge to make sure each student is contributing. This becomes especially important if you have students who are quieter or less confident paired with students to tend to take over the discussion. It's good as an instructor to monitor this and to help guide the groups to maintain balance.
Mark,
it isn't necessarily just about helping with learning complex subjects. Given that we are preparing students for careers & most of them will work in some type of team or group environment, this experience can prove valuable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Like many other instructors have mentioned, it's the whole, have a few people do the work and everybody else slides by. When I do group projects, everyone is held accountable. They need to keep a ongoing journal of what they do and at the end a summary of everyones task and have each person sign off on it, so that everyone is in agreement. I teach a lot of design classes, and also give the group the power to fire anyone in their group as long as it's a majority of the people in the group and for a good reason.
I have three degrees and never felt group projects helped my learning of complex subjects. They did make me feel close to my class members and make me motivated not to embarrass myself by doing poorly.
Joseph,
this is great practice as this helps divide the discussion & talking.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Jeffrey,
I've found that assigning specific roles can help with this matter to some extent.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have a max class size of 12 so I have learned that groups of 3 or 4 and making it a team challenge keeps the students motivated and engaged. I also only let each student answer once per round so that each student must answer.
I find when students are given the opportunity to self evaluate, or evaluate their peers, everyone always excels! And that concerns me, they can't see the forest for the trees.
I agree that it is difficult to determine the strength of participation of each member of the group. However, I also feel that the weak student hears how someone else solves/responds to the question; therefore, helping them come to some agreement to solving the problem at hand.
Tracey,
this is definitely a challenge & why it can be helpful to distinguish roles for each group member.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Maybe one student has taken the leadership role and does not have all members contribute equally
Robert,
this is exactly why I believe student groups are a good idea, especially for project related areas.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
