James ,
this is definitely a challenge. I try to make the grading such that all have to be involved & that you have to let others be involved. It's not a perfect system by any means.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Bernie,
you definitely have to consider the requirements of the school/program as well as what the future careers may require or involve.
Dr. Ryan Meers
many times in a group there are individuals that will eather take over the discussion or sit back and not contribute at all. The challange as I see it is to get equal participation from all the members.
I work in a technical school which caters to the needs of industrial partners. One of their requirements is that individual study is stressed. There is a gray line as to how far we can go with group learning.
Alvin,
it is very important that we, as instructors, help the students in the groups to remain focused & on task.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Some challenges of having students working in groups are keeping the on task and not allowing one or two students take over their group. Being an effective monitor allows the instructor to make sure that each of the learning groups are not veering off-course with their work. It also allows the instructor to help facilitate participation if some students are quiet and others are overzealous.
Kelsey,
I think this is a great approach & while they may still not love the groups, they at least have to recognize that these are part of the work world reality!
Dr. Ryan Meers
Student groups don't really apply to our program. When students get to our class it is more of an evaluation of their skill set for certification. We can't have students working together due to the fact certification must be based on their work alone.
When students aren't open minded about group work it presents a challenge. I remind them that in the work field you have to work with a diverse group of personalities and you need to be albe to still get the job done despite differences.
Kay,
this is my approach as well, that each student gets an individual grade that is based on the group's efforts & their own.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Dr.PAVAN,
this is definitely a concern with groups. I generally spend a little time talking about what makes a good group member or team member as this is a skill not just for the classroom but also for their future careers.
Dr. Ryan Meers
James,
this is a constant challenge, but I like to push them on this as they will have to learn this once they are in their work places.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As always, there is usually one who does not want to contribute equally. In addition, there is usually one who wants to monopolize the group. At times, there are those who refuse to work with certain others and want to change groups. Generally, I do not allow them to change groups because in "the real world" at a job, we are not permitted to do so; we have to work with a team. Although it might be a group project, I give individual grades. Each group member also evaluates other members. At times I give individual and group grades.
SOME MAY FEEL ALL ARE NOT DOING THEIR WORK OR ONE WILL TRY TO DOMINATE THE REST AND PREVENT APT CONTRIBUTION AND MAY SHOW PREJUDICES UNLESS MONITERED BY LECTURER
The biggest problem I have seen with learning groups is if the dynamic is not ballanced correctly and one student dominates the group and a mistake is made in what they are doing, several students can get the information incorrectly first time through. After it is relearned correctly there is a future potential for there to be confusion between the correct and incorrect information.
I have found that groups are not always an option. Too often classmates do not show up, are late or there is no contact after class for work. Group work during class works well.
I find that it is difficult to blend the different personalities together and keep them working together
Kristen,
this is definitely a challenge & it sounds like your plan should help at least somewhat.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kristen, I like your style. It is important that everyone takes part in the leadership role. I am sure it can be very challenging with the wide range of students that you have. This is a good lesson on tolerance and compromising
I have a different challenge with regard to student group leadership. About half of our students are older adults and the others are just out of high school. The older students take on a parental, leadership role when small groups are formed. Not only do I assign different leaders each time, but I have to support younger leaders enthusiastically to ensure they are respected by the older group members.
