Small Class Size
Is it appropriate to organize students in groups of two due to the small size of a class or let the entire class work as one large group? My classes are small and usually not over 10 students.
For my first time teaching I only had four students 2 students can be considered a group. Because the class was so small and the students knew each other. I observed over time (2-3) class meetings, which two stuck together and I did not assign them to group projects and it worked out just fine.
I normally have small class size 3 to 4 students at a time. I still can have a sucessful outcome in a group assignment when I make it a role playing assignment. They are given a Topic and then they are asked to write a script. They are then given the opportunity to act the script out in a role playing exercise in front of the Class Room. They are graded as a Group and each get the same grade.
donna,
and I think you could do both (if you have the time in our course) & then you get the benefits of the smaller group as well as the larger group & help the students learn to discuss & work in both environments.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I believe having a small class of 6 to 10 students is an excellent way for the students to learn the lesson of teamwork. Dividing a class of this size into 2 or 3 groups will help each student realize the importance of their input and the outcome of their hard work working as a team. Using the entire class as a group would be a challenge but also work well as each student would have more team members to share their ideas.
I too have a small class of 6 students. I have a in class group assignment for the 6 to complete together. I think it the collaboration will benefit all of the students.
Justin,
this is a great point & the advantages of the small group work & interaction are still gained as they still have to work together toward a goal or on a project.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I too often have class sizes of around 5-7 students. I have come to prefer this size since I can form one group consisting of the entire class and have different students take on different roles as new projects are introduced. It's easier to simulate an actual work environment with this smaller class size.
i have small classes as well and typically odd numbers. but i have found on the more difficult assignments like pathology case studies, students tend to partner up anyway.
I do the same even with my small classes. I believe peer interaction is huge for some students. Often the more students will ask for help from a fellow student before asking me the same question.
My classes are small as well but I organize the students into groups every now and then so they can be exposed and be engaged with other students.
Thomas,
this is an excellent point & one that we need to reinforce to our students. Just the other day, had a student ask: why groups? Reminded them that most work environments are in groups & you don't pick your coworkers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also work with small groops of students. I let them work in pairs so they can help each other but still have to particapate. I also make sure the students know that they will be evaluated indavidualy.
In the culinary setting students usually work in teams of two. I inform them that they need to always work with diffrent classmates throught the term so that they get used to working with diffrent learing types. This helps them when they work in the industry becasue typically you cannott choose who you work with.
