Group Learning

• DISCUSS: 5 MINUTES • PRESENT 2 -3 MINUTES
• DEFINITION
• STAGES
• PROBLEMS
• Group learning, also called cooperative learning, peer
instruction, or team learning, refers to students who
work together to learn.
• It can involve tHREE students or more.
• Group learning is most efficient when students
understand they are accountable for their own work,
but at the same time, they get to practice team-
building and collaborative skills.
• Group learning may take place within a classroom
setting, outside of a classroom, and even in workplace
environments.
• Group learning is an efficient and effective way of
learning; it has been proven that group learning can
improve the learning experience.
• The most important step in forming groups that work
together well is to provide guidelines on how to get
started working together.
• It’s important to have a sense of balance when
setting up groups.
• People often associate group work with ‘free time’ or
‘break time’; it’s important for students to realize that
group work takes time, energy and focus so they’re
not tempted to goof off.
•What are the Benefits of
Group Work?
• There are various benefits that come along with group
learning.
• Let’s take a look at some of them so you can see why
group learning is such an important technique to try
and ability to have.
Pool knowledge and skills
• In a group learning setting, you get to bring together

an array of perspectives, knowledge, skills, and
understanding.
• This pool of knowledge can then be shared and make
it easier to understand new topics.
• For example, say you have a group of three
students learning together.
• One of them is a great problem-solver, the other
one is very articulate, and the third is a creative
thinker.
• The combination of all three skills can contribute to
creating an amazing output, one that would have
never otherwise existed without bringing the three
students together.
• It can change the learning dynamic and make for a
better overall experience.
Articulate ideas
• When it comes to group learning, everyone has a

voice.
• The group learning setting allows each individual
member to communicate their ideas and strengthen
their verbal communication skills.
Listen with intent
• Students working in groups get to communicate and

share their thoughts.
• At the same time, this means that everyone is
listening to one another.
• As such, students in a group learning environment get
to practice their active listening skills and have to
listen with intent.
Broaden perspectives
• There’s a lot of value in group learning because of the

diverse perspectives involved.
• This is especially the case when it comes to group
learning with students from various locations and
countries around the world.
Effective for critical thinking
• Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking.

• This is because group learning fosters discussion and
necessitates speaking, considering, and listening.
• The combination of ideas and perspectives also sparks
a realm in which people get to think differently about
situations and approach problems in novel ways.
Build interpersonal relationships
• One of the greatest benefits that students get to reap

during group learning is the relationships that they
build with their peers.
• Developing interpersonal relationships can come
naturally when learning in a group setting because
everyone is working towards achieving the same goal.
• With the foundation of alignment in place, students
can expand their conversations and get to know one
another on a more personal level.
Positive learning experiences
• Group learning can often provide a positive learning

experience.
• While some students may take some time to get used
to group learning, especially when they are more
introverted, the reward of it will eventually pay out.
•.
• These learning experiences are memorable because
students don’t have to work alone.
• They have resources in the form of peers when they
hit a roadblock and can leverage each other’s
knowledge base to overcome challenges together
Career preparation
• group learning sets the foundation for many career

experiences. In almost every type of job, people will
be expected to work alongside or with colleagues.
• Group learning in school sets the stage for the ability
to work as a team.
• Despite the immense and plentiful benefits of group
learning, there are a few caveats to keep in mind
when leading a group learning session or being a
student taking part in one.
•FIVE STAGES
Forming
• Participants find themselves in a new group and new

environment.
• Often they are curious but reserved at the same time.
• During the first stages everybody tries to find out
what the usual and expected behaviours are.
• On the one hand, they cannot be challenged too
much or they might close completely and be reluctant
to participate further.
• On the other, they are more focused on social aspects
of the group and their role in it, rather than purely on
the topic of the seminar.
Storming
• A group undergoes a process of self-discovery.

• The team leader is observed closely as well as the
power structure of the group.
• A few participants might challenge and test it in order
to reassure themselves of their orientation.
• In this phase, it’s crucial that you assert your position
as the workshop leader.
Norming
• The workshop audience builds its own character and

perhaps behaviour.
• This phase is characterised by mutual respect and
focus on tasks.
Performing
• The group distinguishes itself from the outside.

Interactions within the group are more relaxed.
• Now, participants know how to deal with the others.
It’s the peak time of performance for content.
Adjourning
• After the peak concentration goes down.

• Participants might think of their return and tasks
ahead of them after the workshop.
• Nonetheless, it’s time to assess the results of the
workshop and to look jointly ahead for common tasks
for afterwards.
• A good ambiance will leave the final impression and
foster a willingness to meet again and to carry out the
common tasks, which have been outlined.
• Despite the immense and plentiful benefits of group
learning, there are a few caveats to keep in mind
when leading a group learning session or being a
student taking part in one.
Learning paces
• Most students have their own learning style and pace.

• When in a group setting, some students may pick up
on things more quickly than others, which could
create a bit of a divide within the group.
Control aspect
• There are typically some students who possess

leadership qualities naturally.
• They may want to take control of the group learning
environment from the get-go.
• While this can be a benefit, it can also be detrimental
to other students in the group if they feel that they
can’t get a word in or be open to expressing
themselves.
Introverted students
• On the other hand, you may have students who are

considered introverts or are shyer in a group setting.
• It may take an extra push of motivation to get
introverted students to contribute within a group
setting.
Free Rider” issue
• One of the biggest challenges with group learning and

group work is when some students sit back and do
nothing while they benefit from the work of the rest
of the group.
• As an educator, one way to help overcome the free
rider effect is to still grade students individually, even
when they work in a group setting.
• We may also assign responsibility within the group
learning setting individually so that everyone has their
1. Listen to other participants
2. Maintain eye contact with the group
Give others time to speak
Keep potential disagreements polite
• I understand what you're saying, even though I don't

feel the same way.
• I can see why you think that, but I don't agree with
you.
• I recognize your valid point. However, I don't agree.
• I'm sorry, but I disagree with you.
Welcome counterarguments
Acknowledge others before speaking
• Agree with what you said about that idea. You made
a great point with the evidence you shared.
• Thank you for sharing that. I want to expand on that
some more.
• Going off on what they shared, i want to expand
further on that idea.
Initiate the conversation
• Plan your entry points
• Plan your exit points
• Take notes
• Ask for clarification
• Show confidence
• Overspeak
• Speak about other topics
• Repeat other
participants
• Speak or gesture boldly

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• DISCUSS: 5 MINUTES • PRESENT 2 -3 MINUTES

• In a group learning setting, you get to bring together

• When it comes to group learning, everyone has a

• Students working in groups get to communicate and

• There’s a lot of value in group learning because of the

• Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking.

• One of the greatest benefits that students get to reap

• Group learning can often provide a positive learning

• group learning sets the foundation for many career

• Participants find themselves in a new group and new

• A group undergoes a process of self-discovery.

• The workshop audience builds its own character and

• The group distinguishes itself from the outside.

• After the peak concentration goes down.

• Most students have their own learning style and pace.

• There are typically some students who possess

• On the other hand, you may have students who are

• One of the biggest challenges with group learning and

• I understand what you're saying, even though I don't

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