Students diversity
When i am putting together students groups, i find that by keeping a good balance mixed of students realy helps. Byassingning numbers to students this helps to eliminate them grouping with their friends. This now allows the students to learn to interact with someone they might not know or be familiar with , allowing them to share thier experiancess from different backgrounds or cultures.
I agree; randomly assigning groups provides diversity within the group and diversity as to how groups will be organized...balances students interactions between themselves and enhances their experience because of the "unknown"!
Random placement of students into smaller group usually represent what is found in the real world when one enters into an office or clinical setting. The diversities are always present and they certainly provide a great learning experience for student or worker.
Diversity in group projects is essential. Students have different experiences and level of preparedness. Working in groups help them overcome some of their insecurities ...
When placing students into groups , diversity is key. This helps my students to be better prepared for the experiences they will have on the job. they need to consider many things when people come from different backgrounds.
This is very true I have 24 students all from different backgrouds and different countries it is very interesting after interacting with each other they realize thier more alike then they thought people are people no matter what belief they have we all what to be the best we can.
BARBARA,
it is true that our society is incresing in its diversity. Diversity also reaches into diverse viewpoints & ideas & being able listen to others & understand them is key.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i agree. We live in a diverse society, why not learn how to get along.
The school that I teach for is very diverse. That's the best part! Students need to realize that everyone's experience in life is unique and the ways and thoughts of other cultures can be a fantastic learning tool. It helps to open the mind of students in many ways. I purposely mix up the groups to be diverse.
Scott
I agree, when interacting you learn a lot about each other and you can share experience about each other.
You are so welcome, i hope i can help you in anything alse. have a great weekend.
Israel.
Thank you so much for your insight and helpful comments. I will apply the concepts/techniques in hopes of achieving good results. You have given me encouragement and I appreciate it.
Mabel
Hi Mabel, Well I have come across with some of those students and what has worked for me is I see how the group is working together, and if that particular students has the attitude "like I'm smarter than you " I try to approach the group with out saying anything and see what the group is talking about . Then I begin to ask questions to random members of the group and see what their respond is. I then ask that student a question to also include them in the group , by doing this it tells the student that I want to hear what they want to say and then I ask some more questions engaging them to participate in the group. This technique works and before they know it they are participating with their group. Sometimes it may take a little time to get them to engage but students like that need to feel like center of attention and let other students that they are smart ,so when they participate even if its to show off they are participating. Its then our job to guide them and balance the groups activity so that everyone can then equally participate. I hope this help . Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Israel,
Do you ever have students who refuse to take part in a randomly numbered group? I have students who will not work with others related to attitudes "I'm smarter than you", "I live in a better part of town", etc. I really get discouraged with this, as I personally know how important it is to be able to work with others as a Team. I try to lead by example, but that doesn't seem to help change very many attitudes. Perhaps that is just human nature, and I shouldn't expect more from the students. What do you think?
