I've also used jigsaw for groups and I agree with Amy that it works
well. All of the literature on cooperative learning would be helpful as
well. In short, this advises you to assign distinct responsibilities for
each person in a group, and then assess each area for a total group. I
give individual and group grades so that the members of the group are
expected to deal with each other, work together, and also do their own
personal  best.  Check out http://www.nea.org/tools/32842.htm Joanne

 

From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Amy Crouse-Powers
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:28 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: How to Form Groups?

 

Jim,

 

I always try to use a "jigsaw" model for group work.  The idea with the
jigsaw is that every person in the group is responsible for one part of
the puzzle.  Each person has to become an "expert" on one area.  When
you put them all together, they've each dug deeply into their part of
the topic and their parts together make a coherent presentation.  I
quickly googled and found this site that will explain the idea:
http://www.jigsaw.org/overview.htm.

 

Amy

 

From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Jim Greenberg
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: How to Form Groups?

 

TBers, 

I would like to put my students into small "groups" this semester to
work on a final project.  I've done this before with various levels of
success.  I worry about group compatibility, assessing their work as a
group and individually, etc.  Can folks on this list tell me what
they've done that has worked (and not worked)?  

How did you form the groups? 
How do you keep the groups functional? 
How did you assess the groups work? (and the individuals work)? 

Thanks. 

Mr. James B. Greenberg 
Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center 
Milne Library 
SUNY College at Oneonta 
Oneonta, New York 13820 

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