Page 15 - 1A3 Teachers Book_7b2dd844

15
Groups and Grouping
Criterion What it is Great for Concerns to Take
Note of
Friendship
Help students to share openly and support
each other.
Good for sensitive or personal subjects.
Prone to consensus and
so might not stretch
students’ thinking.
Similar learning
potential Suitable for tasks differentiated by ability.
Students with similar
potential can challenge
and support their mutual
progress.
Mixed learning
potential
Suitable for a variety of outcomes where all
can make a valid contribution that shows
their skills.
Good for project work or group presentation.
Some will emerge as leaders; some will
learn from their peers; some will be
stretched by supporting others.
May cause emotional
stress to less able
students or those with low
self-esteem.
Group dynamics may be
affected when members
have varying work ethics
and styles.
Single gender
Suitable for studying gender issues and to
spark off a lively debate!
Good for classes where one gender
outnumbers the other or tends to dominate
discussion.
May further intimidate the
less vocal group into
submission or silence but
this is only in theory!
Learning needs
Highly effectively!
Students with same weakness are given a
series of tasks that address that weakness
to work through together.
- - -
Similar learning
preferences
Motivate students and facilitate high quality
outcome. Putting students who like role-play
or mind-mapping or problem solving can
enable them to hone their skills.
Occasionally, there may a
clash of egos!
Varied learning
preferences
Will develop students’ social skills. Students
will have to compromise, support each other
and perhaps work on improving their less
favoured areas. Each individual also has the
chance to shine, to help others and learn
from others.
- - -
Choice of task or
topic
Motivate by enabling students to pursue
their interests. Often, differentiation by
choice makes such groups highly focused.
Need to manage the
unpredictability of how
many will choose each
option.