Hello all, I learned the idea of forming groups (3-4 students in each group) at the beginning of the semester from The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I found that forming groups at the beginning of the semester helps students to build a sense of belonging, particularly the shy students who hesitate to participate in class discussion. The groups are formed by alphabetic order. It is also a quick way for me to remember students' names. This way, students get to know each other (at least the group members if not all), learn to work cooperatively in a group, and conduct in-class discussions throughout the semester. Although it is informal, sometimes groups are asked to stand up to share their ideas in front of the whole class and at the end of the discussion we will talk about group presentation skills. This is to prepare them for the final group presentation project that I assign in the middle of the semester. For the final group project, the groups are formed based on their interests on the topics that I provide and students sign up. Normally, I provide broad topics and each group narrows down the topic. Meanwhile, every group is asked to fill out a sheet including details such as the outside classroom meeting time, location, and individual assignment within the group. It counts toward their grades. I keep checking their progress in the following classes. As for the rules, I ask students to come up with classroom rules and group rules in the first day of class. I propose some rules if students did not include them and I require that every group member must speak up during the group presentation, in-class discussion group or the final group presentation. I distribute the copy of the rules to every student in the following class. I found that students love to make their own rules and I bet some of the students probably regret the rules they made later. Overall, this has been pretty effective in my class. I hope this helps. Savannah Liangmei Bao, Counselor Alumni Network Development Educational Opportunity Program Office of Special Programs 332 Netzer Administration Building SUNY College at Oneonta Oneonta, NY 13820 Phone: (607) 436-3095 Fax: (607) 436-3211 ________________________________ From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joanne Curran Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 3:05 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: How to Form Groups? 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] phone: 607-436-2701 fax: 607-436-3677 IM: oneontatltc Twitter: greenbjb "Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever" P Think before you print! Please consider the environment before printing this email