Organizing students into a group
Organizing students into a group can be chanllenging. After trying to have student self-grouping, which did not turn out so good. I found random grouping to be very effective for the most part. When few students don't seem to be happy, I encourage them by connecting this to a real life exprience situations redirect them.
Anthony,
this is a good idea as it promotes the importance of communication & also helps promote accountability.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also like student self-grouping for the same reasons you stated. I also have students form a team charter where they state their contact information, prefered means of communication, group expectations, how they will deal with conflict, and consequences for non-participation or marginal work. I picked this habit up from my own online educational experience and find it rather affective.
I have done both student self-grouping and using a number system to group random. I actually like the student self-grouping. If there is a conflict, I remind students, as a learning, that they chose their groups. I then continue to remind them when they get into their work environment they may find themselves in a group setting where conflict could occur. I then have them think about how they can resolve some of the conflicts that can or have occurred. Most realize conflict happens and being able to resolve those conflicts and focus on the common task of the group is a great skill.
Alison,
this is a great method as it can ease them into the situation, but also helps them learn to work with a diverse group.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I've had similar experiences. I've sometimes used it as part of the class, for the first few weeks they have a group the self-selected; then I rotate and randomly assign their groups. It works really well as an example for a human resources or management class.
