Group Work

Why Group Work? It’s a break from lecture or regular tasks. It gives everyone a chance to contribute. It can be fun. You can learn from each other’s strengths. There’s no way to avoid team work in the real world, so it’s best to learn how to do it now!

Expect to learn new skills Some skills that develop with experience and help make group work much more effective are; Note-taking skills. Giving a review to the class from those notes. Learning how to compromise. Learning how to encourage, support and work with fellow group members. Learning how to explore situations or opinions rather than judging them…

Get Organized! Sit in a circle. Limit group size to 5. Choose a leader. Set schedules and deadlines. Agree on ways to resolve conflicts.

Let everyone have a say. Group work means everyone in the group should have a chance to talk. The group leader should ensure this happens. Effective group members help those in the group who may be shy, retiring or switched off.

Learn to listen. Listening is as valuable a skill as talking. ‘Contributing’ means participating. You can participate by listening to what people are saying and considering their viewpoint. Effective group work is about: talking at the appropriate time, listening at the appropriate time, and questioning at the appropriate time.

Be positive. Effective group work is about co-operation, working together and moving forward. Look for the positive things fellow group members say. Group work is not a power game where you put other group members down.

Build on strengths. Deal with weaknesses. Who in the group has the best ideas? Who needs help to feel a part of the group? Who needs to be ‘toned down’ a bit?

Expect different roles In some group work, you will have the leadership role. In some group work, you may know little about the subject being discussed. In some group work, you may be the ‘expert’. Learn to adapt to the group dynamic.

Prepare for ACTION Group work is not a show of strength, of arguing skill or debating power. Group work is not a competition that you have to win; Group work is about designing a way forward, co-operatively, so that something positive happens as a result of group efforts.

General Advice Never miss a meeting. Get to know everyone's working style. Create a process for resolving conflict. Contribute your ideas. Ask questions. Avoid working with friends. Don’t gossip.

Roles for In-Class Discussions Leader Verifies everyone’s understanding of goals. Assigns roles and elicits contributions. Reader/Facilitator Reads questions and other materials. Helps keep group on task Recorder Takes notes, draws diagrams, etc. Reporter Paraphrases others’ opinions to check comprehension. Reports on group work to class.

Problems & Solutions Nobody knows what to do. Some people slack off (don’t do enough work). Clarify goals and objectives. Choose a leader. Clarify your roles and responsibilities. Set deadlines. Elicit opinions.

Problems & Solutions Some people are pushy (too bossy). Nobody wants to make a decision. Be flexible. Listen to each other’s opinions. Vote, if necessary. Be willing to step up and be a leader. Draw straws, if needed.

Activity In groups of 4 or 5, assign each person a role: Leader Reader/facilitator Recorder Reporter Task: Write one sentence that expresses your group’s opinion about the following statement: Is getting an education in the United States easier or more difficult than other countries? * Practice appropriate opinion strategies!

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