Is Group Work Effective?

Group work is a controversial topic, often reminding us of our own educational experiences. I found some information on the benefits of group work and the potential challenges experienced.

An article by MaryEllen Weimer, suggest there are 5 things students can learn in groups:

1. They can learn content and master the material – students can discuss case studies and figure things out for themselves, while considering different perspectives.
2. They can learn content at deeper levels of learning equated with understanding – when students engage with one another, they may challenge each other’s viewpoints and are also forced to justify their own positions, leading to deeper understanding.
3. They can learn how groups function productively – student working in a group often have individual responsibilities to fulfill as work is often divided and then re-calibrated, enabling students to learn the art of compromise.
4. They can learn why groups make better decisions than individuals – students can consider different perspectives they may not have thought of and engage in constructive deliberation. One example of this would be our discussion forum for this course; we are all coming with various experiences and interpret information in novel ways.
5. They can learn how to work with others – students work with others from different backgrounds and those that may disagree with them and/or they may not like.

The author also acknowledges students may not learn the above concepts however suggests that if group work is well designed and well managed, students are more likely experience the positive benefits listed above. original source

Cathy Middlecamp, with the National Institute for Science Education, offers students perspectives on collaborative learning. I have chosen 5 of the list of challenging items experienced by students:

1. People need to progress at different speeds – students absorb information at different paces, some group members may also work faster in order to leave early.
2. 1 individual may try to take over the group – 1 person may try to dictate what the group should do, not allowing all group members an equal voice.
3. Quiet people may not feel comfortable – sometimes the instructor may ask the students to form their own groups and the quiet student may feel very shy and left out as the social students gravitate toward each other.
4. People may not pull their weight – some members of the group may find themselves performing the majority of the work.
5. It’s not fair – students may feel group work is unfair, especially if a group grade is assigned and/or group work is expected to be conducted outside of class time. Original Source

I’m sure many of us have experienced most of the benefits and challenges listed above and may hold mixed views regarding group work. I personally have mixed views on group work; on the one hand, I realize the immense benefits of collaboration and alternately have experienced the downsides as well. I know an important question of whether group work should be allocated during class time is often debated in education. I actually try to offer class time for group work to be conducted. However, I have noticed students will occasionally leave early and try to get together at another date. I don’t particularly mind this approach as I know I have offered class time for the group work. I realize that not all students will feel like collaborating at the same time.

The importance of group work and its relevance to the working world is of particular consideration.  I would agree with this viewpoint as many workplaces are now structured to be collaborative, with teamwork regarded a highly valued skill. In our health care programs at the college, we recognize this skill as an important attribute for students to achieve.