Group and pair work
became one of the
pillars of the modern
English Language
classroom.
ADVANTAGES TO
GROUP AND PAIR
WORK
1. Students have
more opportunity
for using the target
language than in
open class
interactions, thus
they get more
practice.
2. Group
work
fosters
learner
responsability
and
independence
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. It can contribute to
learners´L2 acquisition
through processes such as
scaffolding.
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
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
3.3.1 Presentation: Select tasks that are
given simple enough to describe easily.
Instructions that are given at the beginning
are crucial.
3.3.2 Process: You must go from group
to group, monitor, and either
contribute or keep out of way.
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
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
GOAL STRUCTURES
Are the ways in which
learning is set up or
organised in the classroom.
INDIVIDUAL WORK: Leraners
work alone on tasks at their
own pace.
COMPETITIVE GOAL
STRUCTURE: Here learners
work against each other in
order to succeed.
COLLABORATIVE GOAL
STRUCTURE: Learners work
together in small groups
towards a common goal.
3.4.1 MAKING COLLABORATIVE LEARNING WORK
5 IMPORTANT FACTORS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
a) Positive interdependence
b) Individual accountability:
each member of the group
has to make an active
contribution
c) Verbal Interaction
d) Sufficient social skills
e) Team reflection
3.4.2 COLLABORATIVE LEARNING GROUPS
They shoul be heterogeneous
6 different profiles which are instantly
recognisable: The loner, the leader, the
complicator, the solver, the organiser, the
animator.
3.5 INDIVIDUALISATION
This view of
teaching
implies less
direct teacher
control or
suervisor and
more learner
autonomy and
responsability
for learning.