I recently came across an interesting investigation into small group teaching by Gunn (2007), which I am hoping to investigate further. This is particularly relevant to my own work, which often involves smaller groups of students. An upcoming workshop in which I’ll be co-designing virtual learning environment routes with five students being one example.
Gunn highlights five key areas that influence small group learning: cognitive processes, experiential processes, interpersonal group dynamics, and physical environments. She further outlines that defining and structuring procedures and becoming oriented, conforming to procedures and getting acquainted, and recognising mutuality and building trust, are all key in effective group learning – which I hope to embed within my own session. For example, I am planning to embed a comprehensive induction, warm-up exercises to get to know each other, and discussion, to promote trust amongst the group.
Gunn outlines additional ideas by Johnson & Johnson that are worth considering:
- Introduce, define, and structure the learning group
- Clarify procedures, reinforce members for conforming to the procedures, and help members become acquainted
- Emphasise and highlight the cooperative interdependence among group members and encourage their engaging in both trusting and trustworthy behaviours
- Accept rebellion by and differentiation among group members as a normal process and use confrontation and constructive negotiation to help group members establish their independence from each other and the prescribed procedures
- Facilitate the members’ committing themselves to and taking ownership of the group’s goals, procedures, and other members
- Be a consultant to the group, providing needed material and information resources for the group to function effectively
Bibliography
Gunn, V. (2007). Approaches to Small Group Learning and Teaching. http://www.gla.ac.uk/learn/
Johnson, D. W. & Johnson, F.P. (1997, 6th edn) Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills, Boston: Allyn & Bacon.