When you put students in groups, do you prefer groups of 2, 3, 4, or something else? How are they grouped-by ability or something else? Thank you so much for your help!
Groups of 4 with homogeneous grouping. Theory dictates to use heterogeneous grouping; strong pull along the weak etc. In theory it sounds like the way to go. In reality I found myself running around the room putting out fires. The weak kids felt intimidated by the top, confident kids and shut down. Top kids felt “used’ and bored. Middle roaders tended to sit back and find ways to amuse themselves. I changed the groups (8) to leveled based on work habits and achievement. The low groups (3) completed more work with better accuracy and cooperation. High groups, needing little instruction, pushed themselves. Instead of sprinting from group to group I spent majority of time with the three low groups but made it look like I was not singling them out by “working the crowd”. Also, consider spending time teaching group cooperation skills. Do not assume students will share, take turns and contribute. On their best day, my faculty can’t share, take turns or contribute. For more info: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/243775553_Making_cooperative_learning_work
I usually did groups of four. I didn’t use the same groupings all the time. Sometimes I did mixed groups and sometimes I didn’t.
