Groups
Rarely do I assign group activities.
This module taught me that group activities are an important aspect for learning in the classroom and assists the students with communication skills as well as a different outlook on how certain tasks can be done.
I could not agree more. This is what I preach to my students. Group work in the workplace is not decreasing, it is increasing. This point is particularly salient at the Art/Design school where I currently work. Students must work together and form cross-functional teams. I try to create groups with different majors as well as experience and time at our school. Although I sometimes allot more time than I would like to these group activities, I think the benefits outweigh the costs.
Sarah,
group presentations are a challenge, yet increasingly a part of work life. I personally feel that if we don't use groups at least somewhat, we are doing a disservice to our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I usually do groups of two when in the classroom for learning exercises which works out very well. In the past I have had to have groups of 5 do a power point presentation and a paper. This has led to multiple disputes among the students. They would complain that there was one or two in the group that did not do much for the project. It was difficult to grade due to the syllabus stating that each member of each group was to receive the same grade. I would prefer to not have group presentations.
zack,
this is definitely a danger of group work & this is why we, as instructors, need to keep monitoring the groups & also help divide the responsibilities evenly.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
i think that gruops are important and very needed so that they can help each other on there strong and weak points in class sometimes someone else knows a easier way to get by the situation or studys at that time because everyone is different in some way so your way might be better than mine
I have found group activities make some students very lazy an lean on the rest of the group. Which in turn does not help that student or students on test.
Tina,
glad it was helpful. Group activities are often the least favorite for students & instructors & to do them well they really do require a fair amount of time & planning. However there are some significant benefits to them for the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
