2. EFFECTIVE LEARNERS ARE MADE NOT BORN.
“Regardless of the group size the learning environment
should provide an opportunity
for students to obtain a deep understanding of the material”
Paul Surgenor
3. WHAT KIND OF STUDENTS DOES INDIVIDUAL WORK
SUIT BEST?
Solitary/autonomous Societal/group
learning learning
4. HOW IS INDIVIDUAL WORK DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR
TUTORING?
Mentor’s collaboration often extends across multiple
domains :
frequent discussions – face-to-face
weekly meetings
distant communicating
5. WORKING IN PAIRS AND SMALL GROUPS
“Small groups can provide valuable learning experiences.
Small groups in the classroom allow student interaction in
less intimidating environments where peer mentoring and
instruction are taking place”, Tiberius R.
Increase Interaction
Promote Achievement
High-level commitment
Foster Socialization
6. ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUAL OR
SMALL-GROUP WORK
Model / diagram Quick-fire questions
construction Quizzes
Case study Brian rings
Scenario analysis Team games
Exploiting authentic Audio/ video materials
materials
Developing a
Presentation / Mini-
pitch
7. POSSIBLE PITFALLS
Student expectations Have and have-not
Group sizes syndrome
Group dynamics “It is hard enough being a
professor without
Activity types
taking on being a
Tactics for questioning
„judge‟ policing and
Time-consuming evaluating the opinions
of fellow students on
one another”
Tiberius R.
8. GROUP WORK VS. INDIVIDUAL WORK
Advantages of Group Work Disadvantages of Group Work
Disadvantages of Individual Work Advantages of Individual Work
Learn quality skills and Learning is inconsistent
insights from one another
Conflicts in compatible
Learn effective project meeting times
team skills
Educators - involved in
Improved socialization
and professional “policing” groups
networking Individuals/high-
Faculty grading time is achievers -
reduced frustrated/demotivated
Share work load An added burden
9. HELPFUL TIPS
Seminar activities - as evolving processes.
Delegate objectives clearly.
Get all students actively involved.
Keep activities to a maximum of 20 minutes.
Consolidate merits - commitment and
initiative, intelligence and time-management skills.