Organizing Student Learning Groups | Origin: ED106
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Enhancing Student Learning --> Organizing Student Learning Groups
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Important points that I learned from this module is to consider student diversity on making groups for class activites. Monitoring students behavior in class is also crucial in creating a positive learning environment.
Creating student groups could be beneficial to both students and instructors. It teaches students to work together and pool their strenghts to complete a task. Its a good team building excercise.
Organizing student groups benefits the students. It also gives them team building skills where they can pool their capabilities together to achieve a task.
When forming groups it is important to have 6-8 students and create diverse goups.
THIS WAS A GOOD REVIEW OF THE BLOOM'S TAXONOMY KEY TERMS. I KNEW OF THE COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & PSYCHOMOTOR LEVELS OF LEARNING BUT I DON'T THINK I REMEMBERED THE FOURTH ON METACOGNITIVE- KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KNOWLEDGE. I WILL HAVE TO REASEARCH THIS ONE TO GET A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS TERM.
Forming groups based on student diversity. Over time I had been forming groups just solely based on experience but it is true to include backgrounds and leadership qualities. This will change the overall dynamic of the group and be more beneficial to them.
I learned that the ideal group is 6-8, I understand that i bring the students together to let them learn from each other own experiences and imput
I have learned the importance of breaking out-group participation as an essential way to help keep students engaged.
Group learning is a great tool to allow students to interact with one another ans well as learn from each other. When csreating classroom groups the idea of incorporating the diversity of each student is valuable.
When making groups, aim for group diversity. Making groups more diverse will aid in growth among the entire group. Diversify the groups with overachievers, and people who are struggling a bit, shy, outgoing, age differences. This will help everyone involved.
I have found over time thta lab groups need to be very diverse by skill level. This helps your lower performers and slows your over achievers down a little and holds a good pace for you average student. the final out come is everyone learns.
I have learned that forming groups can be effective in teaching and lecturing. Students placed in groups can learn from each other and support each other. Also, I learned that it is best not to allow students to form their own groups.
Reasons for student monitoring are to help them stay on task, help keep the instructor aware of emerging issues, & helps develop rapport. Some of the positive outcomes from student monitoring that I related to & will consider are….
- Creates a positive learning setting.
- Identifies & resolves issues fast.
- Reinforces positive student behavior.
- Keeps the students engaged & on task.
- Offers more individual instruction.
- Helps plan activities & learning units appropriateness.
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Things I will try to keep in mind to help me become a better & effective monitor….
- Try to move around the classroom deliberately.
- Keep the classroom organized so movement is easy & fluent.
- Do a short visual survey to assure all are on task.
- Address disruption by walking to that area, & standing there. It usually subsides.
- Good eye contact.
- Focus on all students.
Student learning groups should have about 6 to 8 members max. This allows for more accountability & gives an opportunity for all to have input. There are 2 types of learning groups, formal & informal. I have & will continue to use both. Informal is a per class period scenario that can change from day to day. Should have no more than 5 to 6 members. Formal learning groups are what I use in the lab more. Formal learning groups will be grouped by ability, background, mix of personalities. As well, a good diverse group with different abilities & background help engage all the students in the group. Forming these groups are critical, & will be considering the following when forming learning groups.
- I always plan the stages of the group activities.
- I always explain how the groups will work.
- I have & show the students what the outcome should be.
- I will let the students meet in their groups to get acquainted, & form a bond.
- When I use group activities, such as cabinet projects, & roof mock ups, the activity is “Group geared”, not just any work & group students together.
- I will keep the groups together throughout the group activity.
- I do have a clear plan of evaluation on these subjects, & will share this with students prior to the activity.
When assigning groups it is important to keep the group size to less than 8. Also have to be mindful if the group is not working well together. They may feel a member of the group is not providing equal input. It is important to refocus the group instead of reassigning the group.
This was a really fascinating module. I've always wanted to incorporate more group work into my curriculum, but I've had a hard time working it in organically. The steps for forming effective groups is going to help me significantly. I think my students will benefit from more group projects and enjoy learning more about their peers.
these are great points on organizing and using groups for learning
Learning groups are a great way for students to critically think and solve problems. I also enjoyed the outline of students per group and the collective groups. Letting the students grade themselves is another key point that I think will be useful in the future.
Having 6-8 members in a group, peer evaluations, and equal work among members can improve learning for struggling students.
Group learning is critical in the support of students needing further assistance.
