Get Your Students Hired
I try to engage all the students into group discussions, I find that it is helpful to everyone, especially the shy ones it make them feel more comfortable in their own skin to be able to adress a class.
I also enjoy group discussions. Most of my students participate and seem very interested.
group discussions can sometimes bring out the shy students as well as getting to learn from eachother.
I like the idea of grouping stronger students with weaker ones. The only issue I have had is the strongers students dominating the discussion. Any ideas on how to deal with that?
I have found that peer to peer learning can be very effective to pull someone out of their shell. If done in groups, it's best if weaker students are grouped with stronger students they feel comfortable around. It seems that it's easier to ask a student, rather than an authoritive figure a question.
Group discusions foster peer-to-peer learning in a safe environment. This allows students with a lower level understanding an opportunity to increase their comprehension and positively reinforces the learning experience.
Here is an excellent site for ideas on using group discussion really effectively. It is from the University of Delaware's center for Teaching Excellence. http:/
I like group discussions, I also find it helpful to everyone as well. I think because every one is different it gives a sense of not being alone especially if your shy. This way u will be able to get familiar with others. and also be more comfortable with the group.
Do you direct the discussion and try to get participation or allow the students to be self directed?