The Group Learning Space
Physical Environment
The physical environment plays a significant role in the group learning space. The image below show a relatively small classroom that has been designed to cater for group learning. The tables have been arranged to support 5 groups of 4 students. Whilst teaching in this classroom, it was evident that the physical layout helped students focus on their task within their group. Effective group learning spaces like these should be spacious and easily adaptable.
Strengths included:
Weaknesses of this physical space include:
Strengths included:
- Teacher and students can make an easy transition from group to independent learning
- Plenty of classroom space for teacher to rove
- Supports peer-assessment/student collaboration and teaching
Weaknesses of this physical space include:
- Close proximity to students can be distracting
- Social/behavioural issues can affect learning
- Independent work can clutter group learning space
Grade 5 classroom. Group learning played an important role in this learning space.
The layout of tables do not necessarily need to be rectangular. This classroom has adopted a number of different layouts (rectangular, circle, spiral and horse shoe shapes) to accomodate for different group learning activities.
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Providing students with enough floor space for effective group learning is important.
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Curriculum and PedagogyThe school curriculum is in itself a learning space where collaboration and cooperation between teachers take place.
During placement, my junior school team had regular meetings each week to discuss upcoming lessons/activities. The curriculum (AusVELS) was central to these meetings. Every discussion about following lessons or activities draw from the curriculum. It gives the team a common goal and focus. It helps the teachers bounce ideas off one another and is in a way binds the group learning. The Australian Curriculum strongly emphasises group learning. For example:
An issue with this type of learning is that it does not suit all learners. Teachers must ensure that their classroom caters for children and learning types. A group learning learning space that can be easily changed and modified to suit all learners is important. |
Students and TeachersGroup learning improves student motivation, organisation of work, sophistication in responses to questions and reading fluency (Hiltz, Coppola, Rotter, Turoff, & Benbunan-Fich, 2000). Furthermore, it gives students opportunities to engage in discussion, take responsibility for their own learning and become critical thinkers (Gokhale, 1995).
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