I find that placing students into groups maximizes the "learning from their peers concept". I teach primarily non-traditional students and have found that the "life" experience that each and every student brings with them is an invaluable resource that helps immensely in the overall learning experience.
Also, the dynamics of group learning will be very beneficial to the students as they move into or back into the work world.
Students begin to realize that they are not alone in their lack of knowledge. They feel more at ease when they are part of a group. This opens the doors to allow more learning to take place. I jave found that it becomes easier to pinpoint students that may be struggling more than others.This allows me to address a question or concern more thoroughly with those students. It also allow the more capable learners to expand their understanding by assisting the less capable learners in their group.
Thomas,
I think you make a great point here that hasn't been brought out as much yet. Groups are a great way to develop the skill of networking in our students. Throughout their careers they will benefit by networking with others in their field & this is a great chance to start developing that skill.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Students often will gain experience by working with others, and they can learn from there peers, and develop life long frienships and or professional relationships with their classmates.
Mahnaz,
I have seen this same thing many times. When the students really experience brainstorming & appreciating the diversity of opinions it seems the light bulb really comes on for them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
One positive outcome for having groups is that the individuals in the group can bond together to accomplish an understanding of a situation or problem that can only be discussed and not realized in a lecture. By randomly choosing the group there will be different opinions and possibl a multiple courses of action. One example of this is through team building exercises. The Army is patterned this way. During their education, soldiers, enlisted and officers, either together or seperately are put into situations where, as a team they must manuver through an obstacle course. Each member becomes the leader in different situations but in the end it is the collective of all personnel that helps solve the problem. People working together for a common goal is very interesting to watch.
Another example is would be just getting people to work together on a problem solving mission. By brining people together who have differences of opinions by the mere fact that they have diverse customs and beliefs is mind boggling at times but can be very helpful. It is interesting that you see these bumper stickers on cars that say COEXIST with the different symbols of the different religions making up the letters and there are those who only want world peace. Unfortunately this cannot be possible until a group of people can come together and by an instructor bringing small groups together this may happen.
They learn a great deal from each other. Brainstorming with group members allows the students to have constructive discussions and learn the content on a deeper level. They learn to respect each other's ideas and opinions. Working as a group also teaches the students the value of team work and collaboration.
one positive outcome of having students work in groups,is the one on one that they give each other.Many times students will understand at a deeper level after they have had a chance to work and talk about the project together.
I completely agree with you groups must always be balanced outor the entire group will suffer.
William,
Well put! We sometimes see the potential in a student but they don't see it in themselves & when they're in a group that potential may come out & they be surprised.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Erik,
This is so true, especially when they are going to be groups working on more significant projects over a period of time. While self-forming is nice for the students, we must monitor for this result.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Paul,
That's great! And in today's work place, effective teamwork is a highly valued skill & if we can help our students learn how to help one another in this way they will be at an advantage.
Dr. Ryan Meers
One outcome I have witnessed is that some students who have never worked in groups before discover that they know more than they thought they previously did.
By putting students into groups it gives them a sense of belonging. However this must be done by balancing the groups out. Example group A has 4 strong students and 1 weak one. While group B has 4 shy students who can improve on their grades and needs the extra push for encouragement. It will not balance out, organizing groups takes time and consideration prior to forming so it will be a fun and exciting learning environment for everyone.
Often in Culinary education , peer to peer education is natural due to the tactile nature of the tasks and the universal newness of it, no one is born knowing how to accomplish some of the complex tasks we demo, but when a student sees a classmate struggling , the help is generally well received
Destiny,
This is very true. research has demonstrated the value of peer to peer learning & groups are a great way to foster this.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A positive outcome of putting students into learning groups is that students learn well from their peers. Sharing ideas and a sense of "belonging" to a group may be necessary for students who have difficulty managing/understanding the study material alone. Also, a sense of teamwork is often fostered - which may be beneficial tool later in their individual career choices.
When you put students into groups it gives them a sense of belonging. They are interacting with their peers. It allows them to voice an opinion without feeling like they are being judged. It shows them the value of teamwork.
Emily,
Definitely I have found this true in my experience. Especially when we are working with late teens & young adults, they often have not matured enough or had enough exposure to differing opinions. The more they can learn to listen to others & respectfully disagree the more prepared they are.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Billy,
That is a great example of the power of peer to peer learning. What a lesson for all of us to encourage this kind of interaction & behavior in all of our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
