Using Groups in the Classroom

Lorraine Barber, M.S.W.

Behavioral Health and Human Services

Christine Coppa, L.C.S.W.

Behavioral Health and Human Services

“Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work” (Vince Lombardi). We are members of groups in many aspects of life – family, work, education, social, religious, political, etc. Within groups, we are challenged to learn, contribute, complete tasks and contribute to the well-being of the whole. As educators, we have an opportunity to use the classroom environment to help students learn how to function effectively in groups, both in the classroom and beyond. Across the curriculum, group strategies can be used to introduce or reinforce information in simple yet innovative ways. In this interactive workshop, we will examine the challenges and benefits to using groups in the classroom as well as discuss three types of group strategies: Single, Carry Over and Progressive.

Powerpoint presentation

“Using Groups in the Classroom”

Sample group assignment

“Research ‘Family’ Group Assignment” (BHHS 293)

Additional Resources

“Student Attitudes toward Group Environments” (Questionnaire to give students)

“Cooperative Learning: Students Working in Small Groups.” Speaking of Teaching: Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching

“Problem Solving in Groups.” Center for Instructional Development and Research: CIDR Bulletin

“Group and Collaborative Learning” Center for Teaching Excellence (See especially Bob Petrulis’s “Grading in Collaborative Classrooms”)