This is more a blog about the experience of creating a unit versus the unit itself and I think it should count!
I am a huge fan of group work and hope to incorporate the practice into my classroom as much as possible. Looking back on my group work experiences though, I realize that as a student it wasn't always enjoyable. I have a strong personality and I always struggle with creating a balance between my contributions and those of my group members. It is hard work discovering everyone's strengths and applying them to the overall effort of the task at hand.
This time around group work has been quite a challenge for me! We, all four of us, have very strong personalities with a lot to say about what should be done and how we should do it. Our thought processes are different and sometimes it is hard for me to follow along. This is a rare experience for me because I am used to being a leader in the group and more often than not, I am continually telling myself to sit back and listen and not push my ideas on everyone as if there were only one way to do things!
It is also challenging for me to keep in constant communication with everyone. This is not so much because I have a busy schedule, everyone does. It is more a personal habit that I have never taken the time to develop. Even with our tools for instant communication I still find it difficult. I don't know how to fully express my feelings about this...it's like I'm disjointed or out of sync somehow. Maybe I'm just uncomfortable stretching muscles I rarely use! It is definitely a wake up call for me to exercise my communication skills in a more regular manner.
In any case, this group work experience has really opened my eyes to how many of my students may feel about having to work in groups. This won't deter me from employing group work, rather, I feel motivated to really think about ways I can foster greater cohesion among my students so they can realize the potential of working together.
Ann,
ReplyDeleteYou make so many great points here regarding group work. I really do enjoy group work as well because I feel that there is always something to be gained even if it isn't in the letter grade you receive at the end. However, I, too, acknowledge the "risks" involved when it comes to mixing different personalities to accomplish a common goal. In the end, I hope that all the different personalities will benefit the finished product of your unit plan!
-Meaghan
I think you make a great point that how you're feeling about group work can also be how students feel about it. But I love that it doesn't discourage you from wanting to use group work in your classroom. Interacting with personalities different from our own teaches us how to deal with different people outside of a school setting. We have to learn when to take initiative and when to back down. People who are inherently leaders, can learn a lot when placed in a group with other leaders .. and when placed in a group with no leaders, someone might finally take the initiative to become one.
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ReplyDeleteHey Ann
ReplyDeleteI've been totally feeling the same way in recent weeks. Its been frustrating to communicate through google docs and emails. I would much prefer to communicate in person and I think it would be more efficient and less frustrating.
I think you're right that we have some strong minded individuals in our group (namely you, me and Tom). it seems that we're all used to being in the drivers seat. As teachers it seems that we are all attracted to working with people BUT were also interested in having control and authority over over interactions. At least I do. Doesn't exactly make for good group work.
I also think this project is just plain challenging! Its interdisciplinary group work using technology we've just learned (I actually itemized the ways in which this is difficult on my blog).
Anywho
See you tonight
J House
Hopefully you will all learn different strategies to use with your students but to also use with other teachers in whatever teaching environment you are in. I hope teachers begin to work together in schools more especially at the secondary level.
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