What are the challenges facing the teacher and pupil in classes of small size? Here is a look at some of the top associates pros and cons of group work. Time flies when holding a cup of coffee or laughing about what happened in class that day. As they work together they develop skills for real-world collaborative and cooperative learning. Schools cannot discriminate against students on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion or culture. Whenever any of these attributes are present, group work can succeed. . Donna Hilbrandt from Upstate New York on February 10, 2013: It is always best to be on our toes and prepared no matter what the lesson plan. Sometimes these interactions can become the focus of the group instead of the work. People can get lost in the shuffle. Having a group of people tasked with getting a specific job done helps to lighten the load on everyone. I am glad it helped your kids. People can get lost in the shuffle. Even if you are not a Google user, using Google Classroom is a piece of cake. Keep up the good work and i hope that the science of love and life works out for you all. Randi Benlulu (author) from Mesa, AZ on November 17, 2019: Thank you, Wangsu George! What are the disadvantages of classes of small size? Easy to use and accessible from all devices. I believe everyone benefits when everyone gets an opportunity to engage. 1. I appreciate your stopping by and your votes and share. Someone might have a great idea, but be afraid to say it because of a vocal leader trashing the idea and encouraging others to go a different way. Martie, thank you so much for bringing up a valuable aspect. Results in Common Direction When a team is put together to handle special projects or manage certain tasks, people will always find a way to follow a common direction. It enables students to pay attention and be involved. The number of students in the class helps to determine their success, but more importantly, the ability of the facilitator will be the determining factor. They are still very shy but they have learned to pushed through their shyness to engage because of this structure. I admire this article and found it very marveling and inquisitive. There are strengths and weaknesses in every person. Now put a bunch of people together and you’ve just increased the odds of having a brilliant idea. Classroom discussions is an excellent strategy for assessing learner knowledge. Randi has worked in both traditional and non-traditional high schools for 17 years and ESL for 10 years. This post will explore the good and the bad of having students work together in groups. I appreciate your stopping by and commenting:). They will learn to evaluate and respond to their classmates' opinions. Hey Martin, thank you for being such a staunch supporter! From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors, 15 Laissez Faire Management Style Advantages and…, 15 Collaborative Structure Advantages and Disadvantages, 15 Facilitative Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages, "From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors. The improved relationships then create ongoing benefits as everyone grows more comfortable with each other and looks to help one another. 4. Group work helps everyone learn or complete a project simultaneously while still feeling like they’ve had a personalized experience. 3. Learning can increase. Generally, a classroom discussion is conducted without many other tools than the moderator's questions. This was typically how I started my school year because I wanted to encourage students to … Group work aids their language learning in many ways even when they may not realize what is … Ability grouping first appeared in American education in the 1920s when the use of mental testing was a valued indicator of potential student performance. Great discussion here. Grouping students should allow, and even force, students to work together. In my experience, those have been some of the most memorable classroom experiences that I have had. The pros and cons of group work show that it can be a cost-effective method of learning and accomplishing personal responsibilities. This can lead to chaos in the classroom. However, the discussion is prime territory for things to go off on a tangent. People can feel like they get lost in the shuffle of group work, especially if there is a vocal leader amongst the team. 3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Work in a Classroom Situation. This results in cost savings opportunities, faster learning experiences, and a better overall quality of work being completed. This is especially problematic if a person’s weakness is in the area of social interactions. Could you please tell me the pros and cons of group work in classroom, esp. Thank you so much, donnah75! Although the strengths of each person are encouraged to be on display, this doesn’t always happen. 4. As the above table shows, there are certain pros and cons of each approach, but all can be connected to theory dealing with effective language learning. Reviewing, I realize that some, if not most, teachers were in fact afraid of me, because I've confronted them with questions they were not able to answer. Learning isn't always about writing it down! More hands make work easier. The same perspective is seen in classrooms and training seminars as well. How can we maximise learning in classes of small size? When this happens, they don’t get to see the desired results for which they were working, often putting them at a disadvantage to the rest of the team. That being said, I think this holds true with classroom lectures and discussions, both in small and large groups. People tend to hang around other people with shared interests. Thank you. A variety of resources ... teachers free up more time to work on creating course materials and giving students personalized instruction. Simply seating students in groups of four or five does not mean students are engaged with each other. Large class discussions can train learners how to solve problems in smaller collaborative grouping. Involve me and I learn. Getting to meet new people. I relied on memory and notes. UP/I/U and sharing. That’s because group work is often seen as an advantageous experience. With extra hands available, even complicated jobs tend to become easy. Great job here, explaining the important points. Here's to so many more hubs for us both to share on here.I vote up,across and share. But, if there is a specific direction/conclusion that you are hoping to get to, you must know how to lead them there. Hello or 'yo' in youth terms. Learning how to work in a group. Thanks for the votes and share! Nearly every teacher uses projects as some point to reinforce a lesson or give students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Encourages all students to have a voice; Cons. Thanks for help Tdol. Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on January 30, 2013: All good points, Randi! It isn’t just efficiency that happens when group work is emphasized. This has worked relatively well, but it does seem to depend on the group of students in the particular class. I admire what you shared courageously. Pros: 1. Your comments are truly appreciated! 1. 10. Below are some disadvantages with pair work. Tell me and I forget. Group work is an enormous part of drama class. Randi Benlulu (author) from Mesa, AZ on February 03, 2013: Hi Frank! Sometimes the disadvantages of a study group seem to outweigh the advantages on an individual level. When people get together, there is a certain expectation that some social interactions are going to occur. In introducing this topic with teachers, I allocate them to one of the four topics listed below, inviting teachers to work in pairs or small groups (no more than four to a group) and challenge them to discuss and write up in poster style: 1. Thanks. What Are the Cons of Group Work? It shores up the weak areas that individuals have. So I was often - too often - ignored and even humiliated with snotty remarks such as, 'We know Martie knows everything and she talks too much' - and this was not at all educational, but rather a devastating blow to my self-esteem. The other groups must work on something while they wait their turn. I used to run groups in the psych unit and all it took was one dominant patient to throw it off. I gave consideration to elementary and special needs teaching once. 1. That is one of the things I love about teaching. Andrew Spacey from Near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire,UK on February 10, 2013: This hub reflects your own considerable experience and has some very useful points to make,especially with regards to learning styles and achieving balance so that, ideally, all students leave the class knowing they have given of their best. Instead, let's talk about the pros and cons of this classroom seating arrangement. Note taking can be more difficult, especially when trying to follow the thread of conversation. By working in a team environment, one person’s weaknesses can be offset by another person’s strengths. Cell phones offer families added convenience with communication. 8 Google Classroom Advantages. When used inappropriately, however, it may actually do more harm than good. The traditional style but the homeroom teacher moves up with them to the next two levels. It can cause conflict within the class if opposing opinions are given. Tsmog, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I've lost either interest in the specific subjects, or I've developed an obsession to know all the answers. It is a change from traditional learning methods. But group work is more than just a convenient activity for a language classroom. Anyway, as you've said, the power to make a success of open discussions is absolutely in the hands of the teacher/facilitator. Here are some common advantages to group work. It should build their communication skills, and help them learn how to r… The individual student may feel an ill fit to such a cohesive classroom while the original classroom members may resent the presence of an outsider. The facilitator should be well prepared and aware that conversations can go in an entirely different direction than originally planned. Thanks for the idea! By creating an environment where group work is emphasized, different people from different cliques can support each other, get to know each other, and increase the overall morale of the group. This is a great skill to have for working in the real world and when you’re not getting a grade for teamwork. Denise Handlon from North Carolina on February 10, 2013: Hi Randi-I can concur that the facilitator needs to be on top of the game! They will learn to evaluate and respond to their classmates' opinions. Missy Mac from Illinois on January 30, 2013: Great Hub! It helps students articulate ideas. Here are the pros and cons of technology use in the classroom. They would rather "do" something "hands-on.". In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of group work, and tips for establishing effective teamwork. Martin Kloess from San Francisco on January 30, 2013: Thank you for this. It’s a question that is often asked during an interview. I have had some great experiences and a few backfires! Before you consider asking the students in your class to work together, it’s important to have a careful think as to what your objectives are and whether the children might learn better through a … Good luck on the exam. Noisy and risk of chaos; Lost of direction; Student disdain; Working in pairs can be noisy and loud. 1. It enables students to pay attention and be involved. List of the Pros of Having Cell Phones in the Classroom. At the elementary level, ability grouping is the practice of … Laptops in the Classroom – Pros, Cons, and Policies. In most cooperative learning programs, a grade is handed out to the entire group instead of to each individual involved. Pros of Whole Group Discussion as a Teaching Method Many teachers support this method as whole group discussions typically provide greater interaction between teacher and students. In some circumstances, group work can cause challenges, so it may be better for employees to work independently. Keeping the traditional row lay out intact, but pairing students together within a … Let's hope for a prolific 2013! Unless you’re self-employed, you will always have co-workers. Sometimes this can be avoided by appointing a leader as the group is being established. Whether in the classroom or the office, cliques will always be part of life. Tips to Improve Working in a Group: It is often found that people working in a group can work better … As long as there are plans in place to counter the disadvantages of this system, everyone can benefit from being a team player. 2. From early primary school to university, there are many pros and cons of asking students to work in groups. The fact that the child who has all the answers is also sensitive and should never be stifled. There was a learning style for everyone. It could simply mean they are going to play and talk, rather than complete regular class work. Continue reading to learn about some of the positives and neagtives associated with ablity grouping. 1. It improves relationships. People can have extraordinarily brilliant ideas. I taught special education for 17 years and ESL for another 10 years. I look forward to checking out your hubs! 9. Group contingency is a system for systematically reinforcing target behavior within a group setting. Teach me and I remember. I was hoping you'd hop on! In typical teacher-fronted classrooms students are discouraged from helping each other; group work helps students to learn collaborative skills. It isn’t uncommon for people to put in some group work, feel like they are getting nothing back in return, and so this causes them to abandon the group. Here are the key points to consider. If there is a battle for this position, then the fight of leadership can put ego first instead of the work first. The combined first and second-grade classroom. Good luck in whichever way you choose to go, and most importantly, enjoy. 7 pros of having technology in the classroom. She has also taught CE classes. 2. It offers a chance to have shared ideas. While the truth be I never did it. It is interactive. Kinesthetic. It is good and important to mix it up in the classroom. Confidence and self-esteem are so important for them! The Cons of Cooperative Learning. It teaches students to speak in a group. Pros of Table Groups: This type of classroom seating arrangement is amazing for group work and cooperative learning. It promotes critical thinking and analytical skills. 1. But truly spontaneous and not at all aware of the teacher's dilemma or any insecure kids, not to talk about any with non-auditory problems. Then I got chosen on a team and not have to play four square with the girls. When my daughter finished kindergarten, I attended a mandatory parent meeting. When kids have a cell phone, they can take with them to school. Students can learn how to work together with others. Like yourself I found myself in the playground when a lad beat up and crying. Group contingencies can be highly effective in changing behavior for an individual or a group as a whole. Martie Coetser from South Africa on February 03, 2013: btrbell, this is a much-needed comprehensive report about group class discussions, with facts only to be obtained through experience by those who have not studied Education and a bit Psychology. The team of first and second-grade teachers were all there, and all had an opportunity to speak. Tim Mitchell from Escondido, CA on January 31, 2013: Hello btrbell. I was one of those 'Some students will dominate the conversation.' It's a tough balancing act. This article gives cause to maybe guest speaking and seminar style learning / teaching experiences at the local level - high school, community college, and maybe the local university too. Plus, then no one is caught off guard when it comes time to contribute. The first and foremost benefit of both pair work and group work is that they increase the amount of student practice. Learning is enhanced by groupwork because students are willing to take risks and can scaffold each other’s efforts.” Cons Small group instruction makes it more challenging to manage the other students in a classroom. 2. Although the strengths of each person are encouraged to be on display, this doesn’t always happen. I'm a mom of not-so-assertive children who used to abhor this style of learning however because they were exposed to it very early on in their education they now thrive. Thank you from Frank over and out. Hi Missy Mac, thanks for stopping by and for your generous comments! Ability grouping, a type of homogenous grouping, simply means grouping together students of similar ability levels. 3. Although this article's main focus is classroom discussion, they are only a part of the learning process. I probably learned more from the girls anyway . Cost: When combining the cost of installation, maintenance and repair, it’s clear that AI is expensive. Some students will dominate the conversation. There are advantages and disadvantages in each of these methods and as each child is an individual so should your choice be. Kid stuff, eh? Teachers may use it for a variety of reasons, and when used appropriately, ability grouping can help students be successful in the classroom. I often will have my students do work (answer questions, fill out a chart) before the discussion. Maureen St. George. Pairs with Rows. Not having that formal experience other than as a student I feel it is interesting and intriguing. It also means that people are less likely to experience failure and even when they do, the rest of the team can pick that person up. People can feel like they get lost in the shuffle of group work, especially if there is a vocal leader amongst the team. . It can be exhausting work for the teacher! Randi Benlulu (author) from Mesa, AZ on January 31, 2013: Eddy, you are the best and I agree: Here's to many more hubs to share! Con: Reduced Student Environment Regardless of class size, looping can contribute to students' feelings that their environment is too small. Thank you, Denise! As groundbreaking as AI in the classroom can be, it is not without a few drawbacks. It actually has quite a bit to do with it. Like anything in education, grouping works best when it is planned and used thoughtfully. ", Tesla SWOT Analysis (2021): 33 Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses, 14 Core Values of Amazon: Its Mission and Vision Statement, Is AliExpress Legit and Safe: 15 Tips for Buyers, How Does Zoom Make Money: Business Model Explained, A Look at Southwest Airlines Mission Statement: 10 Key Takeaways, Apple’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement Explained, How Does WhatsApp Make Money: Business Model & Revenue Explained, How Does Discord Make Money: Explanation of Business Model, Is Mercari Legit and Safe: 15 Tips for Buyers and Sellers, NEO PI-R Explained: Neuroticism vs Extraversion vs Openness vs Agreeableness vs Conscientiousness. They learn best by seeing. Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence: 6 Reasons to be Skeptical . Some of my best teaching opportunities have stemmed from whole classroom discussions. My takeaway was that the school was meeting the individual needs of their students and families. . I am flattered that this article gave you the opportunity to ponder! Encourages collaboration and cooperation; Opportunity for decision-making; Opportunities for role-differentiation; Groups encourage students to work together and collaborate in order to achieve something. Thank you, Carol, yes, here too but I think you can apply it to any group discussion situation. In fact, students receive many benefits from working in groups as they study English and pursue language fluency. Auditory. That is why the debate regarding these cell phones in the classroom pros and cons are essential to review. Randi Benlulu (author) from Mesa, AZ on January 30, 2013: Thank you, Princess! When that happens, no work is going to get done. Each type of work that may be individual, pair and group has its place in the classroom. And even force, students to work independently, randi to group work, if... Do work ( collaborative learning ) in classroom discussions is absolutely in the real world and when ’. 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Individual level something `` hands-on. `` you choose to go off on a tangent teaches,... The use of mental testing was a ' C ' or two up my pros and cons of group work in the classroom in... Will be using the disadvantages of a study group seem to outweigh the advantages on an so! Dominate the conversation. you can apply it to any group discussion Situation has its place in 1920s. To school a team environment, one person ’ s weaknesses can be avoided by appointing a leader as offerings. And cooperative learning programs, a grade is handed out to the next two levels so, we are students. This results in cost savings opportunities, faster learning experiences, and more with shared interests... teachers free more. Are plans in place to counter the disadvantages of group work can cause challenges, so it be! And looks to help one another be considered unfair, AZ on January 30, 2013: great hub Martin! Cup of coffee or laughing about what happened in class that day group is established... You for being such a staunch supporter are only a part of drama class plans in place counter... Of leadership can put ego first instead of the traditional style but the homeroom teacher up!, enjoy and repair, it ’ s weaknesses can be, it s. Social group or classroom setting than originally planned although this article, discuss...