Problem solvers
I do a lot of group work in my courses that require critical thinking skills. Students are presented with various scenarios in which they have to determine the best solution to the problem. I've found that students seem to learn a great deal simply by listening to the experiences of other group members, and their ultimate conclusions are almost always much more effective when they come up with solutions as a group rather than individually.
we also work in the format in the small group format
Peter,
You make a good point because it is easy to just let someone in the group do the work and then you take credit. In the food service industry as well as most other professions real life does not work that way. They need to be able to work with others but first be able to think critically on their own.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
small groups help with the development of groups of people but not individuals and in the culinary world each person must be able to handle their own job on their own within the group. so its important that they can solve their own problems and solution for themself before they can be effective team member.
Christina,
This is my instructional style as well and I think it is very effective in getting my students to use their critical thinking skills. I use a lot of small group work on case studies. The students really like doing them because they get to apply the content I have been sharing with them. Plus, they are fun and motivating for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
