In-Class Group Work Training1 Introduction  Student-based group work or team work has become an important part of learning.

In-Class Group Work Training2 Benefits to group learning  The benefits of group learning are associated with collaborative activities, namely: – Peer learning – Learning to work with others to achieve common objectives – Learning how to divide tasks – Creates a new learning dynamic…fun  people who enjoy a learning activity learn more and better – Other benefits?

In-Class Group Work Training3 Various types of group work  Group class presentations  Group project work  Outside-class group case analysis  Inside-class group case analysis

In-Class Group Work Training4 Overview of contents Designing Group Assignments Preparing Students for Group Work Forming Effective Groups Methods for allocating students into groups Getting Groups Started Monitoring Groups Assessing Groups

In-Class Group Work Training5 Forming Effective Groups  How many students should be in each group  What formation methods are available  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method

In-Class Group Work Training6 How many students should be in each group  I recommend four-member groups for a number of reasons: – Students find it easier to organize meetings – Students get a larger piece of the work to do and feel they can make meaningful contributions – Less chance of free-riding – Less chance of group fragmentation – Easier to develop group cohesion – Easier to make collective decisions

In-Class Group Work Training7 Getting Groups Started  For groups to be effective, they must have regular and productive meetings.  On average groups will meet once a week for an hour. It is beneficial for a student to take minutes. This is not applicable to in-class group work

In-Class Group Work Training8 Taking Minutes/Recording Answers  Keeping minutes helps a group by; – Providing a structure to their meetings – Keeping meetings running on time – Keeping a record of decisions made – Recording each member’s responsibilities – Allowing members to see their progress and achievements over time In the case of in-class group assignments, one person should be assigned to record discussions leading to the group’s answer to the assigned questions For outside- class group work

In-Class Group Work Training9 Role Structure & Rotation Facilitator –responsible for chairing the meeting Note taker – responsible for recording the discussion and final answers Devil advocate – responsible for critically examining group ideas Time keeper – ensures that all the questions get answered in time Team players – support the other roles through active followership

In-Class Group Work Training10 Assignment Handout  Students are expected to record their final answers on the group assignment. (See Handout example)