Working with students in small groups Judi Bradetich, M.S., M.M., Syeda Alam

Welcome! Group Work Why When How Casual use Structured activities Team-based learning

How can group work help? 40% UNT undergraduate student population is made up of transfer students #1 Factor for student retention is making a friend. Students who feel connected are more likely to graduate.

Teams Components Formation Activities Peer evaluations Benefits

Collective Intelligence Team-Based Learning http://www.teambasedlearning.org/ Four S’s Significant question/problem Same question/problem for all teams Specific Choice Simultaneous report

Activities with Teams Critical thinking IMPORTANT: Brainstorm Discussions Case studies – problems Posters – gallery walks IMPORTANT: Lay down the ground rules for how the students will “report” their decisions!

Decide as a Team As a team, you must come to a consensus about the strongest answer To indicate your team is ready to vote, turn your team # sideways PLEASE DO NOT INDICATE YOUR CHOICE UNTIL I ASK YOU TO!

Decide AS A TEAM: The most effective way to handle the use of cell phones and other technology by students in the classroom. State your policy of “NO CELL PHONES” in your syllabus and enforce it consistently by tying it to their grade. Have the students use the devices to find information related to the topic during class. Have students place their cell phones on a table as they enter the room, to be picked up after class. Have the students download an app related to the course content and have them use the app during class.

Another TEAM Activity: VOTE FOR ONE Constructive ways to handle disruptive students Discussions with unprepared students Working with argumentative people Describe how small group work helps students “Succeed at UNT”

AS A TEAM, YOU WILL Write your solution on the poster Post on wall Walk around and view other posters AS A TEAM: decide which is BEST

Peer Evaluations Anonymous Distribute score so that there is one higher and one lower Mid- and end-semester opportunity

Peer Evaluations What is the single most valuable contribution this person makes to your team? What is the single most important way this person could alter their behavior to more effectively help your team?

Problems Student attitude Group Projects (outside of class) Social-loafers & over-achievers Group Projects (outside of class) Fear of “losing control”