It fosters an environment of sel-directed, student centered learning. Of course scaffolding is required, but it allows the students to be active learners.
one thing that is created is a postive student environment secondly is a proactive learning environment that students interact
They may be able to understand the material better with discussion. They may be able to communicate questions about the subject matter better to another fellow students than directly to the instructor during the lecture. More participation and brain storming.
If the students that form part of separate class study groups start to feel comfortable with each other and can really work as a team, I have noticed that the stronger students make sure that those that have fallen behind or missed last class are caught up to speed. I also see that students are more involved with the material as they get immediate feedback once they have finished their assigned problems and can compare notes with their fellow group members.
I like to use student groups to give the students some insite on what other students think. I really want my students to understand that not everyone thinks alike and there are many different opinons out there. I also want them to know that just because you have a different opinion it does not mean you opinion is wrong. It is graat to watch them start to understand others and see where they are coming from.
Students learn the essence of teamwork through learning groups. It is extremely difficult to get along, and furthermore, produce creative thoughts and work well with other students from diverse backgrounds.
There are a few positive outcomes associated with group learning. A sense of belonging in a group setting can result in a building up of self confidence. Learning groups enables the students to share thoughts and ideas enhancing their creativity collectively. It promotes a positive interaction allowing all to participate.
I definitely encourage placing the students into groups of 6-8 to create a positive outcome to the fun filled learning experience of teaching students effectively.
Groups allow students to share strenghts and work on their weaknesses. Groups are a part of the workplace envirionments so why not practice now. The instructor can select who is in what group.
sometimes it helps to know that you aren't the only one stuggling in that area.
it can bring out the students that are too shy to interact with the others on a one on one basis.
The pressure to perform is spread among the group and no one student feels all the responsibility
It helps in thought process and allows for different views/experiences to be shared.
Candace,
this is a common struggle in group work. Sometimes having the students evaluate one another can help promote participation by all.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Students can connect with one another in and outside of the classroom. They can benefit from strengths and weaknesses of the other group members. They can encourage each other to continue on even when the concepts seem difficult.
It seems that students can assist each other and build on their strengths when assigned to groups. The problem faced at times id the "lazy" students and the "procratinators" and trying to help them stay on task.
Amy,
I'm with you. I never liked group work either, but once I was in the corporate setting I realized how important these skills really are.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think putting students into a learning groups involves students working together towards a common goal. It the relationship in a group of students that requires positive outlook of the course. Also It will help them better understand the class more. ( heads are better than one)
I remember back when I was in school--I dreaded group work! I wanted to work by myself and didn't want to deal with the differences of the other people.
As I have been teaching, though, it's easy for me to see the importance of Group Learning, especially in the Video Game Production Department that I teach in--video games are always created with LOTS of people participating, and you've got to know how to participate!
Group work allows the students to get to know each other better, and I've seen 1st hand that this leads to a happier, more connected classroom. Also, each student can analyze the other to determine their dominant learning skill, and tailor their communication as necessary.
It also opens their minds to different views and opinions--ones that they may never had considered had they worked alone instead of groups.
Every student learns in different ways. This will allow for teamwork, those who might do better in small groups blossom. Students sometimes are more willing to participate in smaller settings.
Beyond learning from each other and realizing that everyone struggles in their academic career, students are able to form alliances and support systems that could possibly extend throughout their college career.
