The Group Learning Space
The Physical Element:
Classroom designs have emerged to support collaborative learning and typically feature the ability to reconfigure seating to accommodate this way of learning. Group learning spaces offer students the ability to actively work together to discuss and share knowledge in a cooperative way. In order for this space to be effective, students must contribute and interact with one another, must be spacious so all members are able to work and provide the appropriate resources needed including technology.
Curriculum and Pedagogy:
Group learning requires students to work as a team and have all members actively participating and sharing the workload (Benavides, Dumont & Istance, 2010). This is generally done through assignments and projects and is a great way to assess and assist students meet a variety of learning outcomes and improve the social interaction within the
class. A main concern for this way of learning is how to go about assessing the students and therefore teachers need to explain what is essential for group learning and the criteria involved so each person participates equally. This
ensures that learning has been taken place by all members.
Teachers and Students:
The ability to work in group based environments is beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers need to give
their students the opportunity to explore and discuss topics with their peers as this allows for different skills, knowledge and experiences to be obtained (infed, ND). As well as being the facilitator, it is now a crucial role for
teachers to enable students to achieve their own goals and learning intentions. Group learning or cooperative learning usually enhances the teachers’ instruction by giving students the chance to discuss information and practice skills initially presented by the teacher (Slavin, 2010). This way of learning helps students broaden their knowledge and working with peers teaches cooperation, teamwork and individual learning skills that is essential for group
learning.
Classroom designs have emerged to support collaborative learning and typically feature the ability to reconfigure seating to accommodate this way of learning. Group learning spaces offer students the ability to actively work together to discuss and share knowledge in a cooperative way. In order for this space to be effective, students must contribute and interact with one another, must be spacious so all members are able to work and provide the appropriate resources needed including technology.
Curriculum and Pedagogy:
Group learning requires students to work as a team and have all members actively participating and sharing the workload (Benavides, Dumont & Istance, 2010). This is generally done through assignments and projects and is a great way to assess and assist students meet a variety of learning outcomes and improve the social interaction within the
class. A main concern for this way of learning is how to go about assessing the students and therefore teachers need to explain what is essential for group learning and the criteria involved so each person participates equally. This
ensures that learning has been taken place by all members.
Teachers and Students:
The ability to work in group based environments is beneficial for both teachers and students. Teachers need to give
their students the opportunity to explore and discuss topics with their peers as this allows for different skills, knowledge and experiences to be obtained (infed, ND). As well as being the facilitator, it is now a crucial role for
teachers to enable students to achieve their own goals and learning intentions. Group learning or cooperative learning usually enhances the teachers’ instruction by giving students the chance to discuss information and practice skills initially presented by the teacher (Slavin, 2010). This way of learning helps students broaden their knowledge and working with peers teaches cooperation, teamwork and individual learning skills that is essential for group
learning.