Students that may be unlikely to actively participate in a larger classroom setting may be more inclined to be involved in the learning process. These smaller groups possibly can help more introverted and shy students gain confidence in their abilities, which goes a long way in developing their soft skills.
I find that learning groups gives students a way to work with others, communicate, contribute, learn and allows the students to get to know each other better.
James,
and this is a great way for the students to see how their ideas are accepted & then become more willing to share them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I enjoy watching the dynamics of the group play out. The most introverted has the opportunity to get into the act, so to speak, and become an active participant. The confidence levels seems to rise to certain level with everyone involved as this person suddenly is interacting and providing meaningful ideas.
One of the positive outcomes is shared knowledge. Sometimes a student will grasp a concept while working with their peers that I was unable to convey during the lecture and examples.
This gives the students a chance to work with each other and learn from each other.
Steven,
yes, the ability to discuss & carry on a dialogue in a group setting is key for success in careers, groups are effective for developing this skill.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students could enhance their discussion/social skill and learn to be part of a group or collective. Helps students accept the directive toward socialist thinking, away from individualism, and personal achievement.
There can develop a synergy which produces enhanced creativity and enthusiasm.
A positive outcome of putting students into learning groups is that they develop skills like collaborative problem solving. In many professional settings, that is a skill in itself.
Brandon,
excellent point! The groups allow me to really zero in & notice which learners may need a little more attention or help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The oppertunity to see interaction and class dynamics. I can see some of the learners I need to focus on.
Medeina,
this is very true & I feel it is up to us, as instructors, to help our students develop these skills & to exercise them in their groups.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In my experiences with learning groups, I find that the students are less afraid of speaking their minds in the specific group as they are in front of the whole class. If a person is put on the "spot" sometimes they freeze up and their true opinion or thought is muddled. When a student is in a comfortable setting they are more open to discuss the topic at and hand and have
an engaging topical conversation with their peers.
Getting to know other students within the class/school. This is particularly nice across the variety of programs offered through our college.
A learning group must know how to provide effective leadership, decision-making, trust-building, communication, and conflict management.
I believe it helps them come oout of their shell "so to speak". Students tend to relax there guard when dealing with other studetns then their instructor.
johanna,
this is a great strategy for dividing up the student groups. I agree with you that this will help them learn to understand & appreciate the views & opinions of those who are probably the most different from them. This is a valuable skill.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
One of the most significant outcomes is that it puts students more in charge of their own learning and their own success. There's a tendency for some students to go into a "passive" mode, where they allow themselves to become mere recipients of the instructor's knowledge - but where, also, their learning is restricted only to what the instructor presents.
When put into learning groups, though, they create their own learning, applying what they've already learned and using it to develop even more. It fosters a sense of independence as well as the inter-dependence of the group dynamic. They work on their own to produce their own share of the group goal, but then work with their groupmates to integrate all of their portions. On both ends, though, they are working for their own benefit and not just waiting for the instructor to provide those benefits.
I have had students do group work, and debates with teams and what I have found it that it not only helps the students see things from a different perspective but helps to start teaching them to work as a team, and brings out the best in most of my shy students.
