The Secrets to Working Successfully With Groupwork
December 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Teaching and Learning Styles
When it comes to working with groups, always use your outgoing, resourceful, creative and smart students as group leaders. Teach them the message that the success of the group is also their own personal success because they are members of the groups.
1.Encourage them to work with their groups so their groups can function on a higher level.
2.Consider having a special incentive (i.e. a prize or bonus) for those who proved themselves to be good, caring and effective leaders.
3. Have each group make a note of what makes each member of the group special and different. Nurture those differences!
Here are a few classroom tested tips for setting up group work procedures:
1.Lead the class into a discussion on what a good group leader means to them. Write the criteria on the board. Have each group rank the qualities.
2.Give the leaders autonomy in carrying out group decisions especially when it comes to solving issues of disagreement.
Periodically, have each group review its performance about a given task or project.
Teaching students the importance of groupwork is a lifelong skill. Successful groupwork lends itself to nurturing people skills such as collaboration and teamwork. Preparing students for this lifelong skill begins with the younger years.
For more classroom tested tips – “Tips and Tricks for Surviving and Thriving in the Classroom,” visit: www.MakeYourTeachingSparkle.com
