obstacles to group work
I rarely use group work in my classes. This is for several reasons, including one main reason - I never liked working in groups as a student myself. I teach technology classes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and find that each student needs "hands-on" time to grasp the concepts. Other reasons I rarely assign group work include a very small number of students in classes (sometimes 2 in a class) and it seems that every time I assign a group project, there are more problems than it's worth. "So and so isn't helping, so and so wasn't here, and on and on." I would rather each student just be responsible for themselves.
There are both pros and cons to group activities and much of the success depends on the personalities of it's members. I have seen one student helping another to understand a concept, on the good side. I have also seen a student with comprehesion issues "hiding out" in a group where his participation is not monitored or manditory, on the bad side
I guess In your class with a couple of students its ok, but I have 25 to 30 students and also do alot of hands on but I find that some student kind of keep there distance and just have a hard time working with other people so by me having group sections students are learning how to get along with others and also I find they are enjoying working completing tasks together. I also have one on one so I kind of mix it up keeping students motivated.
I definitely understand the obstacles of group work but they can be beneficial in some instances. It allows students to learn to work with one another. An important tool that students today need to learn is how to work with a diverse group of people. Most jobs today will require that you work as a part of a team on some level. I believe this skill is just as important as any technical skill they're currently learning. To ensure that all group members participate, a suggestion would be for part of the grade to come from you and part of the grade to come from a peer survey within their group.
Hi Wing! Thanks so much for your comments! Most employers with whom I speak affirm that teambuilding and communication skills are equal, or more, to discipline-specific technical skills. I too when using learning groups weight part of the grade on individual score and part on group score; I have found that using a rubrics is a big help.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I initially shared your hesitancy in working with groups, but I no longer feel that way. You just have to experiment and see what works.
I understand your concerns. I use group work in my classes, usually one project per semester that counts for about 10% of their grade. The main problem I have in ensuring equal participation. Every single class I have at least 2 people complain that they have team members who "do nothing." It's a valid complaint, as I assign a group grade. One of my colleagues has the team members give each other a participation grade, which he factors into each students grade. I have yet to do this, as I feel that part of the project is learning "teamwork." Any thoughts?
I, too, was a student that preferred to work solo. Indeed, one of the major pros of teaching for me is the level of independence. Nonetheless, most employers and jobs require some level of group interaction.
While there will always be group conflict, you can minimize the conflict. Another instructor gave me a great format for group work and I happily pass it on and hope it helps...
When groups are first assigned, in class, they must collectively complete a "Group Contract". A form that includes: everyone's contact info, best time to contact, group's shared goals, individual group member's strengths/weaknesses, and a plan on how any potential conflict will be resolved. Thus, as an instructor, you have that plan to refer back to in order to give guidance and the students have it to refer back to if they have a problem.
Simply acknowledging to students that group work is sometimes difficult, but saying "here is a plan" and requiring them to complete that plan in class goes along way to facilitating productive groups.
I think a group contract is a great idea! I use the class contract outlining all the class guidelines/policies (aside from a class syllabus).
I think I will introduce a group contract. My students are busy and the idea of trying to find time to work on a group project outside of the class is a challenge.
I think "a group contract" would be beneficial to everybody!
Thank you :)
Yes indeed--pros and cons! I've seen all sorts of wonderful group work where everything good happened. I've often seen exactly the opposite. So much depends on the group chemistry, and that's virtually never predictable.
Dr. Kendra Gaines
Can you explain your rubric system a little more?
I have to agree that working in groups outside the classroom is hard due to the fact that many people have so much going on in their day to day life, and finding time to meet after class is hard. I would rather have groups in the classroom to make it easy on the students. I am not saying, take away group work outside the classroom and I only saying help them out.
In my experience, the deciding factor of whether or not a gruop project is successful is accountability for each student. Each student is responsible for one aspect of the research, etc.
This is so true there is the possibility of getting students that Hide in a group and never grasp the essence of the class. One has to be observant and ask questions and gauge student response. Also feedback fromgroup members can tell you who is slacking
Hi Ricardo, thanks for your response!I have found too that when the instructor helps the group to initially establish some ground rules and clear expectations as to roles and responsibilities, then, as you mention, monitors the process, it is less likely that a student can hide within the group.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I agree that the group chemistry can go awry, and that is why I'd never make a group fixed for an entire term.
I utilize small ten-minute group activities to provide interaction and participation. However, it depends upon the table or desk set-up in the classroom. Some classrooms have long tables and four or five students can sit at a table. Other set-ups are just too difficult. The physical room lay-out is a big consideration when doing activities...Thanks! Chyrisse
How do you get around group work in a very small classroom.
Yes, it probably wouldn't work well in that learning environment. Perhaps tutoring would, though, because some students probably catch on better than others.
I teach courtroom theory for court reporting students, and I can think of several ways that I could work "group work" into my classroom.
This is also where standing aside and observing will let you know of the students that are in need of mentoring to get them up to speed. However, you cant help someone unwilling to help themselves.
