What If Group Work Is Difficult To Arrange?
The value of group work is emphasized strongly throughout the MaxKnowledge courses I have taken, and I would like to utilize these techniques with my students. However, I have found it difficult to design an appropriate activity. The course material is highly technical, and its applications require physical resources that are not available in class.
Have you encountered a similar situation? If so, do you have any recommendations?
oriole,
no arguments that the groups don't always work so smoothly. Part of the learning for the students is to dig into the work & hold each other accountable. Most will be facing this type of work in their careers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We have tired this in some of our classes, I find that student's have a hard time coming together to get the work done, and it seems that one student will slack letting the others do all the work.
This makes grading hard, the slacker will have a ton of reasons for why they couldn't help or that they did there share when others in the group will say otherwise.
I understand the workgroup, but I don't think it always works as intended.
Stephen,
really you don't need any extra physical resources to conduct an effective group learning activity. Select a topic, problem, activity, etc from your course material & have the class accomplish/discuss these in small groups. By dividing roles & tasks, providing guidelines & deadlines this can provide an effective small group activity.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
