Group projects
Having students do small projects on the topic discussed in class will give them immediate use of the knowledge and show mastery of the topic.
Yes, and this applies well in design classes. Students working together on projects can be made aware of each others notions of visual language.
group projects work well with my students, even the ones that don't get along so well. they need a little help staying focused and on task, but they complete their assignment/project.
Tracy,
I too have noticed the value in group work of providing another avenue for the more reserved students to participate.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I constantly have my students do group projects. It seems to help the students that are quiet and some what withdrawn normally to get involved.When there in a small group they tent to speak more and enjoy being hands on instead of being over shadowed by the students who conatantly speak up.
Tracy Turner
Instructor
Yvette, I agree with you, but another point is the friends seem to get less work done. They spend too much time building the clique and ignoring the others in class. Friends in a group tends to set the stage for competition.
I tell my students to avoid cliques because I will not pair the cliques when time to do their externships. I intentionally pair them with the other students. And carpooling is encouraged. This gives my students the opportunity to get to know all of their classmates.
Group projects also offer student the chance to see alternative styles of comprehensing and learning
Yvette,
I'm completely with you on this. This is a "skill" they need to learn for the work world, so the more we can mix it up, the better.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Most student like to make their own groups which consists of close friends in class. I would see that they would start to get together when I announce that we will be having a group project. But to their surprise when I have them pick numbers and when their friends do not have the same number they realize their not in the same group. I like mixing it up because in the work world they will meet different people with different personalities.
Maria,
yes this is a great way to immediately & effectively engage them in the topic & in group work.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Agreed that having them do small projects will give them immediate use of the knowledge and mastery of the topic. One additional thing I do for group projects, is mix the groups up each time. This gives my students the opportunity to work with classmates of differing personalities, learning styles and opinions. It allows them to learn how to work with others that they may not be comfortable with initially. They have to learn how to adapt and find common ground to get the job done.
