All about groupwork
Learn what it takes to successfully form and be part of a team
MOST of us feel a bit anxious when we hear the term “groupwork”. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Groupwork can expose you to ways of working successfully with others.
It is also good preparation for the workplace. Whether you one day own a business, work at a company, volunteer at a non-profit organisation, groupwork is inevitable.
HOW TO WORK AS A GROUP?
We are all different so this means we are all better at certain things than others. It’s important that when a teacher divides groups that they are composed so that there is a variety of skills in the team.
It is also important to choose a good leader and then also assign specific roles to everyone in the team. By assigning the correct roles, the quality of work will increase and make the learning experience pleasant. The roles also help ensure that everyone in the group contributes and that the group works together effectively.
Here are some of the most common roles that can be assigned. Not all roles have to be allocated and can also be influenced by the age of the group.
Facilitator (also leader) – helps to keep the group focused on the task. Questioner – encourages the group to think critically and to consider various perspectives. Timekeeper – keeps track of time and ensures the group makes progress. Note-taker – takes notes of the group’s discussions and progress. Arbitrator – helps to resolve conflict within the group, if any arise.
There can also be other roles, such as a researcher, illustrator, someone who must give feedback, accountant, etc. This is all determined around the assignment to be completed.
TAKE DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES INTO ACCOUNT
When dividing groups, teachers must take into account the learners’ personalities and strengths. Each child is unique and everyone can learn something from everyone else. The art lies in managing it well.
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner discusses nine types of intelligences in his book, Frames of the Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. He says people can have different intelligences and excel more in others. For example, a learner can be musically intelligent, but struggle with numbers. That’s why it’s important in the composition of groups.
Here’s a brief description of the intelligences that can occur in a group:
Interpersonal – relationships are important and they easily notice a general feeling about a matter.
Intrapersonal –has good self-knowledge and can easily adapt to any situation.
Linguistic – can work easily with language and apply it practically.
Logical-mathematical – will tackle any mathematical challenge and likes logical challenges.
Naturalist – likes nature and cares for plants and animals.
Bodily-kinesthetic – loves sport and probably just wants to be outside all day.
Musical – the ability to keep good rhythm (and even note), but can also recognise melodies.
Existential – learners with high levels of existential intelligence will often think deeply about daily events. It’s sometimes also called spiritual or moral intelligence.