Changing the way you learn

GROUP WORK

3.1 INTRODUCTION
1. Group and pair work became one of the pillars of the modern English Language classroom.
2. ADVANTAGES TO GROUP AND PAIR WORK
  1. 1. Students have more opportunity for using the target language than in open class interactions, thus they get more practice.
  2. 2. Group work fosters learner responsability and independence
  3. 3. Group work provides a less threatening environment for the learner to use the L2 in, so it can enhance motivation and contribute to a feeling of co-operation and warmth in the classroom
  4. 4. It can contribute to learners´L2 acquisition through processes such as scaffolding.
  5. 5. Teachers are able to individualise their teaching more because they are free to monitor and observe students using language in groups.
3.2 DISADVANTAGES TO GROUP WORK
1. Students may only use their mother tongue, discipline may be a problem, the noise level may be too high when using group work, students may do the task badly or not at all, stronger students may dominate while weaker students sit back and do nothing.
3.3 MANAGING GROUP WORK IN THE CLASSROOM
1. 3.3.1 Presentation: Select tasks that are given simple enough to describe easily. Instructions that are given at the beginning are crucial.
2. 3.3.2 Process: You must go from group to group, monitor, and either contribute or keep out of way.
3. 3.3.3 Ending: If you have set a time limit, try to finish the activity while the students are still enjoying it and interested
4. 3.3.4 Feedback: It usually takes place in the context of full-class interaction after the end of group work.
3.4 COLLABORATIVE/COOPERATIVE LEARNING
1. GOAL STRUCTURES
  1. Are the ways in which learning is set up or organised in the classroom.
    1. INDIVIDUAL WORK: Leraners work alone on tasks at their own pace.
    2. COMPETITIVE GOAL STRUCTURE: Here learners work against each other in order to succeed.
    3. COLLABORATIVE GOAL STRUCTURE: Learners work together in small groups towards a common goal.
2. 3.4.1 MAKING COLLABORATIVE LEARNING WORK
  1. 5 IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
    1. a) Positive interdependence
    2. b) Individual accountability: each member of the group has to make an active contribution
    3. c) Verbal Interaction
    4. d) Sufficient social skills
    5. e) Team reflection
3. 3.4.2 COLLABORATIVE LEARNING GROUPS
  1. They shoul be heterogeneous
    1. 6 different profiles which are instantly recognisable: The loner, the leader, the complicator, the solver, the organiser, the animator.
3.5 INDIVIDUALISATION
1. This view of teaching implies less direct teacher control or suervisor and more learner autonomy and responsability for learning.

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GROUP WORK

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	Created by ANA CARMEN SEGURA BECERRA over 2 years ago