Group learning works well when there are case study or dilemma problems to work through. I find that group learning does not work so well when there is research involved.
I feel group work helps the students because some time they feel more open with there class mates.
A few positive outcomes from creating student learning groups are: it helps a lot of shy students come out of their shell, and its a little easier in a small group for them to come out of their shells. I like when I have a diversified class, older and younger. One that spans the generation gaps. I like to watch the young minds and the old school minds meld together. The older students have a completely different outlook on life and a different thought process than the younger generation. So to watch them come together and collaborate is just amazing. It also helps students to see another perspective and view point.
I agree that one of the most important outcomes is learning to work with others, especially if not everyone in the group agrees about how to go about the assignment. Working in a group also helps the more introverted students to contribute without feeling uncomfortable.
They seem to interact moreand give more input to discussion.
Kerri ,
this is exactly why I am in favor of work groups.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I found that having the class break into learning groups, the quiet students became more involved.
They became the leaders of the group.
Small well organized groups can bring out the the talking points to the level and then allow the concepts to be discussed.
I have found utilizing small groups for brainstorming, projects and debate/discussions has proven to be very effective. Often the students surprise themselves about how much they have learned, they don't feel as nervous, and are able to share easily within the small group. I find after a few small group presentations the students are often ready to participate in individual presentations in front of the class.
One of the biggest and best postive outcomes of putting students into learning groups is that they can learn from each other and also use their teamwork skills. These skills are something that employers are looking for.
Teamwork
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Strive for creativity and hunting for more information on topics
It really contributes to the success of the students learning and assigned responsibility as a team completing a task or tasks through out the semester.
1.They start to gain that rapport with their peers.
2.It gives them different opinions and objectives with a course.
3.Creates good study habits.
The courses I teach do not normally allow me to employ the concept of learning groups, but on the few occasions that they have I've found the students to be excellent team members, making sure that everyone has a chance to contribute and no one individual has all the say. One project that I broke the class into groups for was designing a mission statement for the HIT program. There were two teams, each of which came up with the points they felt were important and illustrated the mission. The two groups then came together and designed an excellent mission statement complete with visions, goals and the means by which to attain those goals. It was teamwork at its best.
peer support and networking
I use learning groups at my school house for getting those students who do not like to participate during normal classes. This allows me to see these students work inside their groups and participate when they normal would not. It sometimes brings them out of there shell from that point on.
Ron
I have found that it is especially beneficial to use proximal pairing when creating groups, especially when working with Enlish Language Learners. In general, you want students who are near one another in ability--not the ones who are opposite one another at the distal ends of the scal.e
Jacci Rizzo
In addition to benefitting from the other group members' experiences and expertise, putting students in learning groups helps them to follow a model of cooperative work and learning that will benefit them in their professional lives. The vast majority of adults work collaboratively and cooperatively in their career environments and developing these skills in a positive manner during their school or college experience will help prepare them for this reality.
Putting students into learning groups can allow for every student to be involved and participate in the learning process. It also offers opportunities for students to learn how to work in a team dynamic by understanding accountability, constructive feedback, and problem-solving.
Learning groups enable students to learn things from each other. It can also help students identify their own strengths and weaknesses.
