Reassigning Group Members
The module stressed that it is best to avoid reassigning group members. This has often been problematic for me since in my courses the groups are set up the first class session and in the following sessions due to drops/withdrawals/absences some groups are drastically reduced, not only permanently but unpredictably from one session to the next (and because of absences, differing groups are affected in different sessions). Maintaining any kind of positive group dynamic becomes a real challenge. What are some effective techniques for dealing with this problem?
With every new major section of class students get reassigned partners so they get a chance to work w a variety of people, some of whom they work well w and some not so much, much like in real-world situations
a lecture/practical application setting so it's really important that I am careful not to say too much while I am physically doing things at the same time.
Hi Kristin!
I do believe that students benefit from "mixing everybody up"! As I mentioned to another participant it is about diversity but it is also about learning to work as a team member.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
We have small class sizes and everybody knows everybody else- they all take the same classes. I am also aware of who dislikes whom and who is a leader vs who is shy. Putting these students into groups is very difficult for me because I want them to be comfortable but I also want them to try something new i.e. a new partner.
When I was in school I had a series of 'weak' partners because I was a strong student. One of which would not have passed if it wasn't for me. I don't want my students to carry each other, I want them to walk together.
Sometimes you don't find these things out right away and you NEED to mix things up. If this were the case, I would mix everybody up and not just a group or two. Perhaps give a reason like... 'you just got a new job and now you need to interact and get to know your new coworkers'. The work is the same but the setting is different.
There is a time and a place when you have to re-group the students. I usually give them three options: 1) You chose your own groups, 2) Random number drawings from a box or bag, or 3) I will assign the groups.
If the class is disruptive due to groups, swap them up to avoid further concerns and wear and tear on the instructor. But stress that this is the ONLY time it will happen. If they are not happy now, well they made their bed didn't they?
