Ian Pagaran - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ian Pagaran

Many students cringe and groan when told that they will need to work in a group. However , group ... more Many students cringe and groan when told that they will need to work in a group. However , group work has been found to be good for students and good for teachers. Employers want college graduates to have developed teamwork skills. Additionally, students who participate in collaborative learning get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to remain in college. This paper will discuss the use of group work in higher education. Teaching and learning in higher education are changing. Active learning has become an important focus in this time of pedagogical change. While the term encompasses a broad array of practices, collaborative learning, or small group work, remains an important element of active learning theory and practice. Research suggests that students learn best when they are actively involved in the process (Davis, 1993). According to Wasley (2006), " Students who participate in collaborative learning and educational activities outside the classroom and who interact more with faculty members get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to remain in college " (p. A39). A collaborative learning environment, as opposed to a passive learning environment, helps students learn more actively and effectively (Murphy, Mahoney, Chen, Mendoza-Diaz & Yang, 2005). Additionally, research also shows that employers want college graduates to possess the ability to work in groups and have developed suitable teamwork skills (Blowers , 2000). This paper is designed to offer suggestions on how to use small groups in order to facilitate learning and instructional diversity in face to face classes. It will begin with an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of working in a group and then discuss some of the methods available to enhance group learning and communication. It will also provide some suggestions for evaluating and assessing group work. While many people detest the mere suggestion of group work, it can be an effective tool if used appropriately.

Many students cringe and groan when told that they will need to work in a group. However , group ... more Many students cringe and groan when told that they will need to work in a group. However , group work has been found to be good for students and good for teachers. Employers want college graduates to have developed teamwork skills. Additionally, students who participate in collaborative learning get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to remain in college. This paper will discuss the use of group work in higher education. Teaching and learning in higher education are changing. Active learning has become an important focus in this time of pedagogical change. While the term encompasses a broad array of practices, collaborative learning, or small group work, remains an important element of active learning theory and practice. Research suggests that students learn best when they are actively involved in the process (Davis, 1993). According to Wasley (2006), " Students who participate in collaborative learning and educational activities outside the classroom and who interact more with faculty members get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to remain in college " (p. A39). A collaborative learning environment, as opposed to a passive learning environment, helps students learn more actively and effectively (Murphy, Mahoney, Chen, Mendoza-Diaz & Yang, 2005). Additionally, research also shows that employers want college graduates to possess the ability to work in groups and have developed suitable teamwork skills (Blowers , 2000). This paper is designed to offer suggestions on how to use small groups in order to facilitate learning and instructional diversity in face to face classes. It will begin with an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of working in a group and then discuss some of the methods available to enhance group learning and communication. It will also provide some suggestions for evaluating and assessing group work. While many people detest the mere suggestion of group work, it can be an effective tool if used appropriately.