Small Group Work

Group work is perhaps the single best way for learning to take place. As we interact in a low stress, small group, we are less inclined to feel inhibited and consequently express ourselves more freely. Members of a group also provide additional perspective from which to make connections to the content, thus improving the learning potential of all group members. 

The insight of David O. McKay has powerful implications for today’s educator. In speaking on communication McKay stated “Words do not convey meanings, they call them forth. I speak out of the context of my experiences, and you listen out of the context of yours, and that is why communication is difficult.” If, as McKay has suggested, experience is central to communication, then interacting in groups heightens the probability of making important learning connections by expanding experiences.

Group work should be used often in a learning environment. Group assignments could be made to discuss a particular point in a lecture, to reflect upon delivered content, or to provide insights into a question the instructor has asked or to generate questions from students.

Another good consideration when working with groups is to allow them to make some choices on their own. This is especially important when working together on assignments. Choices are good, but should be made within instructor designed parameters.

There are myriad ways in which to incorporate group work into classroom activities. Close monitoring by the instructor is recommended and sharing of what took place is essential. The optimum group size is four. Keep in mind that the larger the group the more likely that some members will not be actively involved. Remember, learning is not a passive activity, to learn, a learner must be engaged. Small group interaction often provides the medium for that engagement.