Organizing student into groups
This method is really useful in the lab. After introducing a new ultrasound scanning protocol to the class I would divide them into groups according to their strengths and personalities to have a well-balanced grouping where the strong students are distributed to different groups where they could be the leader of the group. Also different personalities will have to be blended accordingly.
Thank you for your very valuable inputs, it will help me a great deal.
Dr. Pastor
Ashpreet,
this is a great way to divide up into groups as it is random, yet gives the sense of control.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
A great method I once picked up through a Pearson training was about how to put students in a group by them feeling they had all the power. So for example, if I had 20 students I would separate my chips by color so I would take out 5 red, 5 blue, 5 white and 5 yellow. I would go around the room and tell my students to pick a color but I would not tell them that is how I would group them instead I led them on to think it would be for their own purpose. Then I would tell them to find group members by matching their colors.
I organize and use group study projects for various case-study scenarios in business classes...students enjoy it, and the analysis of each group makes for interesting and thoughtful interaction.
I also like to make sure each student is in a group with different students for projects. Then they all get to meet one another. It's interesting how the classroom dynamics change once they are familiar with one anothers strengths.
I totally agree with organizing students into groups. I try to put my students who are very strong in some strengths with my students who are struggling or having a little bit of trouble. I also have to take into consideration all of the different personalities and make sure I have it balanced out as well. The students really like this and it seems to boost their morale as well.
I agree Dr. Pastor it creates a better learning experience when the students can also learn from on another.
I've found that a work-study group eases the pressure of the classroom experience since the students are working together, and less attention is paid to the instructor.
