A lot of times, students are more apt to brainstorm and think out loud in a group environment. This will bring out new ideas and help get away from the feeling of nervousness when bringing up a new idea or thought. it will also allow for more interaction between students which many times helps students "get" or catch on to the topic being addressed. Finally, in a way it lowers the student teach ratio a little bit. If you can turn it in to 5 classes of 3 people, even if for only an hour or two, you will be able to teach at a much more personal level to each group.
they learn on how to resolve conflicts and help each others out. also leadership and being goal orientated is also demonstrated in group events
Robert ,
also, the students learn to listen to & appreciate the diversity of views of others.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
They learn to work well with others and contibute to a group situation. This will enable them to be more self-confident. I am a big proponent of cooperative learning.
I found that the students are more open and tend analyze the topic more.
By putting students into learning groups, students of all ability levels are learning. The stronger students are able to articulate their knowledge, thus reinforcing what they have mastered. Those students that still need to master content are able to learn and grow from their peers while still contributing to the project. I call this the "same message, different messenger" approach. Everyone benefits in this scenario.
Sarah ,
I've found this to be true as well. They are more willing to share with the smaller group & this increases that willingness to share with the larger group.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Some positive outcomes are increasing self confidence/self-esteem. I find alot of shy students build their confidence after they have worked with their groups. They become more active in the class.
Nevine,
and this is an excellent reason to use the groups in our classes as it helps to prepare them for their work environments.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe that once the goal is established that the group has to meet they find a common interest,( sometimes in my groups it is that everyone breaths air) when the commonality is found they then move forward as a unit, and in the kitchen we call the a brigade.
Some students may be shy about sharing their opinions with a large group of people, so by putting them into smaller groups you are allowing the less participated students to interact. Also, they get the feeling they are part of a team and need to contribute to be fair.
The learning groups increase the opportunities for everyone to participate in the learning process.They can be a resource for one another, share their ideas, work on solving a problem,case studies and special projects.
I agree with using learning groups as long as the student does not feel he or she was force to participate. I do think allowing students to work together provides opportunity to learn, understand, and repect each other as well which improves their people skills.
they all share their different experience and different capabilities helping the defects in each other
There are numerous positive outcomes that can be achieved when putting students into learning groups.
1. Students can acquire a better understanding of subject matter by listening to a variety of viewpoints.
2. For most projects, goals can me reached in numerous ways. Working with a diverse group can give the student a new set of tools or skills for learning or approaching an assignment.
3. Students can form bonds and relationships with other students that will help them appreciate differences styles, cultures, religions, etc. This will help them in the workforce when they could face these challenges.
Efrain,
this is exactly the reason I have become in favor of group work in classes. I started off opposed or highly skeptical, but once I was in the work environment I saw the need for these skills.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think the first is that each student has now made an impression on one another. We as teachers "feel out" students and see how they are. I believe that students also create a sense of feel for their classmates and then interpret how their strengths will help the group achieve their goals.
When students eventually get put in their working environment, at some point or another they will be faced with working with others, whether its teaching a new person comming into the field some of his expertise, or working with another collegue to help speed up the work that is needed to be done, or even as simple as communicating with the customer with whatever it is that they are seeking help in (from the professional). Starting early on in the classroom helps them get a feel of what it will be like to work with others in different projects or assignments. Working in groups helps individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses when they are found in that group setting. It also gives them an opportunity for personal expression on whatever topic matter is at hand.
It's a positive outcome when placing the students into learning groups. This give them the opportunity to know each other and shared their ideas and experiences and at the same time respect opinion or ideas from others. When doing this we're allowing the diversity and giving the students the opportunity to interact with each other and learn from each other.
Shane,
yes, it's not that their better at it, but sometimes they understand it in a way that resonates with that other student.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
