Groupwork in the classroom

1. Groupwork in the classroom Dr. Brandi Frisby Dr. Molly Reynolds Dr. Jami Warren Division of Instructional Communication & Research

2. Today’s goals • Research on groupwork • Evaluate benefits and drawbacks of groupwork • Identify practical steps to implementing groupwork in the classroom • Provide additional resources for groupwork

3. Working in small groups… • Increases recall and cognitive learning (Blankenstein, Dolmans, Vleuten, & Schmidt, 2011) • Improves overall classroom climate (Ediger, 2009) • Appeals to diverse learning styles (Kayes, Kayes, & Kolb, 2005) • Emulates work environment (Williams, Beard, and Rymer, 1991) • Employers desire group work skills (NACE, 2013) • http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/10/11/the-10-skills-employers-most-want-in-20-something-employees/

4. In pairs: What are the advantages and disadvantages to groupwork?

5. 1 2 3 4 5Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree • I like working in groups. • I would rather work alone. • Group work is fun. • Groups are terrible. • I would prefer to work in an organization in which teams are used. • My ideal job is where I can be interdependent with others.

6. Short Term vs. Long-term groups

7. Using groups: Getting them started • Strategically consider the group composition • Provide in-class time Theunquietlibrary via Flickr

8. Using groups: Your Role (Cont’d) • Provide a rationale and goal(s) • Serve as a facilitator • Provide instruction Thegreenpages via Flickr

9. Healthy groups… For example… • Have ethical goals • Are interdependent • Achieve cohesiveness • Utilize productive norms • Are accountable • Reach synergy

10. For example… Group Development

11. For example… Group Roles

12. Using groups: Hold students accountable • Use group contracts • Allow groups to “self govern”

13. Using groups: Hold students accountable • Include multiple feedback points • Grade product and process • Peer Review Process ragesoss via Flickr

14. Reflection & Peer Review • Reflection on the process is important! • Students cannot perform if they are not aware of the process • Group Summation Papers • www.catme.org

15. Methods for Peer Review: Fishbowl techniques • Swim together or jump ship • Helping students observe group processes

16. Group Problems will still arise

17. Blackboard Tools for Groups! • Setting up groups in Blackboard • Group Grading Function • Group Email Function • Adobe Connect

18. Questions! Thank you!