I appreciated the group ice breaker idea for use on day one of the course, so that groups can begin to get to know and be comfortable working together, and then using groups in class time to present topics as well. I'll be doing both of these in my next class.
Student groups can be tricky. In theory, assigning random groups should result in a mix of strengths and weaknesses that will balance out. Like a good basketball or baseball team, students will gravitate toward different roles that either play to their expertise or they'll attempt to fill some aspect that's lacking. Careful monitoring is necessary to determine when a certain mix doesn't have the necessary chemistry. They may need some help in finding their niches or be prompted with some guiding questions or first steps.
From this module, I’ve learned that how student groups are formed can greatly impact collaboration, engagement, and learning outcomes. Strategic group organization—considering factors like skill levels, learning styles, and personalities—can help create a more balanced and effective team environment.
Groups are great for collaborative learning
Workgroups allow the instructor to observe the students tackling a learning objective or scenario. I find it interesting that self evaluation was encouraged and possibly combined with instructor grading.
Groups are good for collaboration of ideas
I like workgroups. It makes the students work as a team, just like in the workplace. Student assessments of each other are a good way to get a perspective on grading too.
By monitoring students, this can help to let students know that I am there to help and support them if they are struggling with an assignment. Also, it will help me as an instructor to see who is staying on task or not but floating around the room.
I learned that keeping group sizes to 6-8 people is advisable. I am most interested in the self evaluation of group assignments since that would really empower the group to go for exactly the result they want.
I have some experience with assigning student groups, but this module expanded my knowledge. I learned that optimal size is 6-8 members. A good rule of thumb is to not base more than 30% of their grade on group work.
Student monitoring helps the instructor to maintain a strong connection with every student.
Group assignment is a good practice for your class management. moving around the classroom, monitoring the groups, making observations helps you identify any areas of concern.
Learning experience:
Care needs taken when assigning weight of projects. One time I weighted the project 10% and a student passed the course that did not pass any unit exams. After that, I weighted it 5%.
Prior to student presentations I had each member of each student submit a rubric I created with a 1-5 scale to rate each student's participation including their own. Most often each person in the group received the same grade. If I saw a pattern of low participation by a certain student, a couple points would be subtracted.
Regarding monitoring the classroom, in a previous job I spoke during break to a student. I said, "Hello______how are you doing?"
She got scared and I asked her why. She responded that teachers do not usually speak to her. I shared that I speak with everyone. She began participating in class.
When forming learning groups for students it's important to diversify the groups and make sure that all different members of the group work collectively together.
A good point of interacting with every student even for a few seconds allow you as an instructor to recognize any concerns. I can also help the student to stay on task by showing them you notice them
Groups need to be small, if possible, and balance students that are already familiar with the subject and those that struggle because they are less experienced in the task.
Organizing the students into small groups can facilitate learning but grading can pose a challenge. Grading by the group and individual grades.
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Groups are great, it helps open up shy students gives them collaboration time and creativity and motivation to learn.
When creating a group for a project, one thing needs to be considered. This important matter is to develop assignments that require a fair division of labor. One of the main reasons that student groups fail is that some individuals feel that not everyone is doing their fair share of the work. A way to prevent this feeling of disparity is to assign each group member an operation or contribution that interconnects with the work of other group members.
