learning groups
It helps all the students interact with each other we all can learn from everybody, and it helps them for the real world.
It is a very good idea for the students to contribute their individual experiences to the groups in which they are assigned. However, in selecting or assigning group members we need to make sure each member has a specific task to work on so no one is left out. We should also let each student know that there are individual evaluations given after the project is done to ensure that everyone is contributing equally.
I also find that when I place students in groups, I try to break up the "pairs" and groups of students who are consistently sitting together, working together, taking breaks together, etc. I try to get students to interact with other people in the class that they might not on a daily basis.
Shane, I like the control that you are exercising over groups. But I continue to be more in favor of the team work approach where they have more control over the project and the outcomes. However, students need to understand the concept of being a team.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I find that learning groups can be effective if you pair stronger students with weeker students. I often find that it helps build the confidence level of weeker students and the leadership abilities of the stronger students.
Hi Andrew!
Very important skills that are necessary for ensuring success of groups/teams in the workplace.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
group work puts multiple minds, skill levels together to acheive a better result with more focused participation
Hi Jonathon!
I think that's what we all hope for. But in reality is that what typically happens? What do you think?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I, for one, have never had a positive experience in a learning group. Interacting with other students is always challenging for me because it is really tough for me to find points of commonality with anyone.
For me to be able to even possibly use learning groups effectively, my guess is that I would need an in depth discussion of how all these other students have been benefiting from what they are sharing with each other.
I wonder if such an in depth and thorough understanding can be imparted in the land where bullet points are king.
Is it even worthwhile to know only bullet points about anything? What if I were to take that approach to forming an understanding of you? How much of you would be left behind when forming those bullet points? Would those bullet points allow me to effectively interact with you, or would I be better off with a more complete picture of who you are??
Hi Denise!
Wow, you are a deep thinker! I really think that group work is intended to do some of what you are experiencing - to challenge those individuals who are less comfortable in a group setting. What should happen in a work environment is that the group/management will recognize those employees who prefer to work on projects alone. Those individuals are very good at research.
I would encourage you to recognize the different types of personalities and behavior patterns of students and encourage them to work where comfortable and can contribute the most.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
