Working in groups can be uncomfortable, especially if one or more learners are not holding up their end. Unfortunately, this occurs in the workforce every day. It is important to learn how to not focus on the negative side of group work, and push through it in an effort to have a good outcome. Working with people in a team effort is common place.
Marianne,
and these are good networking skills to develop as these are very important in their future career development.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Some positive outcomes I have seen with students is they get to know each other and develop a school friendship in which they help each other learn together and/or from one another.
Some of the positive outcomes will be enhance students' capability to give and receive constructive criticism, manage disagreements, participate in discussions. They also get to know each other.
Gregrey,
this really is one of the best reasons to use groups is to emphasize the importance of relying on others (when appropriate) & learning to use the knowledge that is around you.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
It breaks up the structure of the class a little bit and gives students something to look forward to. No matter how interesting an instructor is, it is nice every once and a while to have more interaction with classmates while still being in a learning environment.
help the students to learn to work as team players and let them know they do not have to work alone it is ok to have help. There are some things in life you just can not do alone. You may need someone to help you and it is a lot easier to get someone to help you if you have worked with them as a team.
Sometimes students form their own peer groups and become their own little world. By randomly selecting learning groups, this allows everyone to show their value in the learning environment.
ANDREA,
this is a great point to make. If nothing else, the group projects can be a welcome break for the norm of the lecture/power point.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I recently completed a degree on radiology myself, and as an adult student I really enjoyed group projects as well as any activity to enhance learning besides powerpoint lectures!
learning groups can be positive for student because not all students learn the same way and this is another form of teaching within the group.
Working in groups really helps students work with different personalities and gives them the opportunities to view topics from different perspectives.
Kellie,
these can be great opportunities for the students who are reluctant in larger settings to share.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I feel that in smaller group settings, students feel more comfortable participating and sharing their ideas. I also feel like this helps bring together students that normally would not interact with each other which in turn helps form a more adhesive class.
I get to observe group dynamics and it helps foster participation in the class.
Some of the more quiet students can feel more comfortable sharing their knowledge and experiences.
Christy,
groups can have a very positive effect & can help some students feel much more comfortable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Christy,
groups can have a very positive effect & can help some students feel much more comfortable.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think students work better in groups than into individuals. They fill more comfortable with their answers to questions
Jeffrey,
this is very true & can allow them to share their thoughts or ask questions.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
