I agree with Tim Galbraith. I hated work groups when I was in school, and the saying 20% of the people do 80% of the work is not lost in the classroom. I really prefer not to do them for grades. If its an in-class assignment, usually it seems to get a little better compliance - and the supervision is motivation to the student to at least act like your doing something.
Mia,
and this is where I like to have designated roles & tasks for the different group members as it can help balance this out.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Jeffery,
this is a great view & one I agree with. Groups can be disasters, but there is a lot of positive potential in utilizing groups for projects & learning so it is worth the time & effort.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I've had student groups that were tremendously successful and pushed the entire course to a whole new level. Conversely, I've also had disasters that were difficult to get back on track. Although the latter is sometimes true, I will never be deterred in using groups. I will just take the tools I've learned in the past plus what I am learning here to produce groups with high potential as well as effectively monitor them for best chances for success.
Some students do all the work, while others often watch. Often the student who is a leader will take charge of the group, and delegate parts of the project to students who are not interested in doing those parts.
I would agree that one challenge is having one or two strong students doing the majority of the work.
There is always one student (it seems) that finds a way to not participate in the group as much as his/her peers. The way I fix this by letting students know the group activity may be completed as a group; but they are graded individually.
The biggest challenge I have is that when there is a long term assignment and I assign the groups is making sure that they are staying on task outside of instructional time.
I have the same issue. Sometimes it takes a little more than prodding...
How do you usually weight the group/individual participation evaluations? I've never quite found a good way to make it a helpful tool.
Stephanie,
This is a good question & actually groups of 4-5 work really well, sometimes better than the larger groups.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having students in groups of 6-8 may work well in a classroom with an abundant population. Unfortunately, most of my classes are compiled of no more than 20 students. Putting them in groups of 4-5 would be more suitable for my situation. Has anyone else utilized the key points for smaller groups and what has been the outcome? Successful?
Kathy,
you are right & yes the socializing is a part of forming groups, it must be kept to a minimum.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also find that students waste a lot of time socializing, instead of working. Some of this is OK, because it is their reward for group work. But if it gets too much, I jokingly remind them about the task, and they will refocus. In other words, monitoring the groups is important.
Sherry,
yes, this is what I like to emphasize that often the group work/assignments are a reflection of some of the same tensions that they will experience in the professional environment.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It is challenging to put students in groups when students have prior differences with one another. However if I have students that have differences, putting them in groups together teaches them that you may not like everyone you work with but as adults and professionals, we must put our differences aside to work together for the good of our patients.
Randall,
I like the idea of the division of duties as it helps all be involved & holds all accountable
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I work at a technical trade school and this is a common problem. Its a constant battle to make sure each member pulls his weight. I have thought about dividing up the projects and giving certain individuals responsibilities.
Student buy-in seems to be the hardest part. Students often come to the class with a negative attitude about group work because they have had past experiences with group members who did fully participate. Any advice?
Holly,
so true & this is why I like to take the time to explain the purpose of groups as well as make sure that there is a clear delineation of duties so all have a part & role.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
