Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Collaboration and Group Assignments
Encouraging social and academic interaction with peers is a known pedagogical tool to stimulate student learning beyond the independent learner model. There are a few barriers that could prevent this from occurring.
1. Unclear expectations of individual roles. i.e. if everyone is in charge, then no one is in charge. Before any group activity begins, at least a group leader (even if it rotates) should be designated. This is more easily accomplished by the instructor, but the students can decide this as well. 2. Asynchronous interactions and contributions. An understanding of exactly when to check in for mini due dates should be established with group members. Alerts could be set up to let members know when others have contributed to a group project. 3. Detachment and social isolation. Group activities are supported when there's an "all for one, one for all" ideology. If possible, making a small group introduction to connect with members is encouraged. Perhaps even a synchronous activity such as a chat room, text message, IM board, or even a phone call will personalize the project.
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In my experience as an undergraduate as well as a graduate student, creating a Group Charter address these key elements and helps to reduce stress and inequities among the team members.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree this often does not work well. No one wants to volunteer to take the leadership position and the member that does is often placed in the position of good cop/bad cop in stewardship of the project.
One of the elements that I miss from Web Tycho (yes, I’m biting my tongue) was the group chat room. However, we now have Google Chat through our student accounts by that necessitates leaving the classroom and meeting-up in the “Hangout”.