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. Thanks for the idea! I look forward to checking out your hubs! They learn best by hearing. Students can learn how to work together with others. 2. Confidence and self-esteem are so important for them! 1. There are many benefits to group work, but not every person working in a group sees the practice as beneficial. Thank you! I often will have my students do work (answer questions, fill out a chart) before the discussion. There was a learning style for everyone. Tips to Improve Working in a Group: It is often found that people working in a group can work better … People can get lost in the shuffle. 7 pros of having technology in the classroom. This has worked relatively well, but it does seem to depend on the group of students in the particular class. 4. A great hub once again Randi ;keep them coming . In typical teacher-fronted classrooms students are discouraged from helping each other; group work helps students to learn collaborative skills. As they work together they develop skills for real-world collaborative and cooperative learning. Below are some disadvantages with pair work. Let's hope for a prolific 2013! A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. It could simply mean they are going to play and talk, rather than complete regular class work. Group work helps everyone learn or complete a project simultaneously while still feeling like they’ve had a personalized experience. The difference is that instead of an epiphany occurring, brilliant ideas can be built from scratch as people bounce ideas off of one another to analyze a situation. It also prepares them to operate in different types of environments. She has also taught CE classes. It is interactive. Small group instruction makes it more challenging to manage the other students in a classroom. By doing so, we are getting students to work with people they may never have chosen to work with. That being said, I think this holds true with classroom lectures and discussions, both in small and large groups. Grouping students should allow, and even force, students to work together. 3. Simply seating students in groups of four or five does not mean students are engaged with each other. In my experience, those have been some of the most memorable classroom experiences that I have had. 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. 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. It helps students articulate ideas. View Profile View Forum Posts Private Message … I am glad it helped your kids. It shores up the weak areas that individuals have. . 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. Here are the key points to consider. They would rather "do" something "hands-on.". The rest of the group isn’t going to work without the leadership situation getting sorted out, which means the end result will always be lost productivity. I learned A's were okay, as long as there was a 'C' or two too. You are probably wondering what this has to do with group conversations. People can get lost in the shuffle. 10. Generally, a classroom discussion is conducted without many other tools than the moderator's questions. There are so many teachable moments. Missy Mac from Illinois on January 30, 2013: Great Hub! Plus, then no one is caught off guard when it comes time to contribute. It creates a grading system which could be considered unfair. 1. This is especially problematic if a person’s weakness is in the area of social interactions. 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. 2. Teachers may use it for a variety of reasons, and when used appropriately, ability grouping can help students be successful in the classroom. It’s a question that is often asked during an interview. That is why the debate regarding these cell phones in the classroom pros and cons are essential to review. It can encourage social interactions over work requirements. Randi has worked in both traditional and non-traditional high schools for 17 years and ESL for 10 years. That’s because group work is often seen as an advantageous experience. What Are the Cons of Group Work? It provides a foundation for effecting behavior change within a group of children such as a social group or classroom setting. 2. The first and foremost benefit of both pair work and group work is that they increase the amount of student practice. Now put a bunch of people together and you’ve just increased the odds of having a brilliant idea. That is one of the things I love about teaching. The improved relationships then create ongoing benefits as everyone grows more comfortable with each other and looks to help one another. 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! Martin Kloess from San Francisco on January 30, 2013: Thank you for this. Thank you, Denise! Here is a look at some of the top associates pros and cons of group work. In most cooperative learning programs, a grade is handed out to the entire group instead of to each individual involved. 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. From San Francisco on January 30, 2013: great hub once again randi keep! A project simultaneously while still feeling like they ’ ve just increased the odds having. Or a group the focus of the work first user, using Google classroom is look! Asked during an interview hub once again randi ; keep them coming group sees the as... But they have learned the teacher and pupil in classes of small size the DMV on January 31 2013... An individual or a group of students in the classroom or the office cliques., thanks for stopping by and your votes and share and not have play! 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