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
blog: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.blogspot.com
wiki: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.wikidot.com
email: [log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
phone: 607-436-2701
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IM: oneontatltc
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"Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever"
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