Group work
The key to group work achieving its maximum potential is setting clear expectations, timings and then intervening appropriately as the activity proceeds. Notice in the video clips how the teacher, Robin Launder, explains the task and timings set the expectations for the activity.
School B, Year 10 - Group Work (01:48)
You can watch the video via 56k modem or slow (100kbps) / medium (256 kbps) / fast (400kbps) / very fast (800kbps) broadband connections. Alternative format Flash video. You do need to have the flash plugin.
School B, Year 9 - Group Work (01:18)
You can watch the video via 56k modem or slow (100kbps) / medium (256 kbps) / fast (400kbps) / very fast (800kbps) broadband connections. Alternative format Flash video. You do need to have the flash plugin.
Transcript (23 KB)
Activity
With a colleague, compare the ways in which a teacher can ensure that the purpose and outcomes of group work are clear. Share examples of methods of ensuring pupils understand what is expected of them.
Ground rules
The ground rules for speaking and listening included in the posters will provide you with a positive model for emphasising with your pupils the ways to ensure group work is successful.
Rules for listening poster (26 KB)
Talking better poster (25 KB)
Guided group teaching
Guided group teaching gives the teacher the opportunity to work with specific groups and model how to move a discussion forward, how to ask questions, how to make points in a supportive way and how to reach a conclusion. For this modelling to be effective it is important to allow time for reflection with the group at the end of a discussion.
If you would find it helpful to watch examples of guided group work at this point, these can be found on the following resources available in your English Department Increasing Pupils' Rates of Progress CD ROM and Improving Reading CD ROM.