Student groups
I really like to "mix" up student groups by age and agree that by doing this, we are creating rapport across different generational gaps. I think it is important for students of all ages to recognize and appreciate the value of each other's ideas.
Because I teach online, I need to pay close attention to the discussion cues so I am able to mix groups appropriately to ensure variety. Clearly, this is much easier in the residential classroom.
I think this is important because when students from cliques the tendency is for their social interaction to become more important than paying attention to their work. It also prevents the stronger person in the group from carrying the rest.
Hi Patton,
That is one of the advantages of teaching small classes. You can have good discussions since your numbers are small enough to include everyone. I have large classes so I have to break down my classes into learning groups to get everyone involved in the discussions.
Gary
in my small class sizes, i don't care much for even smaller student groups in the first place. with my small class size, i can more effectively facilitate discussion and participation by all if i moderate the discussion with the entire class
Hi Jonathan,
This is a good way to use your students as resident resources. By having them help each other everyone is contributing to the learning process.
Gary
I teach a remedial writing class online, and I honestly don't consider age that much when forming groups. What I am much more aware of is skill. I have to make sure that each group has someone who is a stronger writer so that they can help teach students with weaker skills.
Hi Katrina,
I too teach both online and residential. In both venues I too have an age mix when conducting group activities. What I have found is that some of the younger students can learn from the experience of the more seasoned students. Further I have found that the more seasoned (older) students learn more technology related topics from the younger students. So far I have had great success in this technique. From time to time I will also group students by age just to show them a contrast.
Hi Katrina,
Good point about mixing up the different students you have in class. Thank you for the excellent tip for online instructors. Reading the discussion cues is very important for course success. By being award of how the groups are working together you can make any needed changes before a problem surfaces.
Gary
