Activities
Keeping the students in an active learning environment in small groups assists the instructor with becoming involved. This also challenges learners.
I have students make up questions from the lesson they have learned then I play different games Jinga,hang man, etc.. with them in return asking the questions they have submitted to me. This works for a fun and learning enviroment alway's motivating the student to return to class.
I also agree. In law or business classes, I have students interview mock clients as well as provide a chance to interview businesses in the field. They go out in the community and meet with someone in a firm or business and provide feedback by way of a small paper or presentation outlining some of their questions and responses, comparing and contrasting them with classroom material and what one sees or hears in the media. This also helps keep the instructor aware of what is going on outside the classroom.
Mary Lou, small groups have their value but can also introduce limitations. Each class and subject matter will have an optimum number of students and it is important to work with your institution to figure out the differences between the different course situations. While 15 students my be ideal for one class and number closer to 40 may be ideal for others. I have never seen where one number fits all situations.
Regards,
James Jackson
I agree the smaller the class the better
I agree. Just today in class, I assigned the students the task of becoming interviewers for a "new client". I teach in the paralegal department, and it is really important to us that we give your students activities that offer hands on experience. My students loved practicing their techniques and I also did a "mock interview" to demonstrate what a good interview looks like. It was a great success and I think many students were motivated!
