9 - TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SMALL GROUPS

Question 1

a process of learning that takes place when students work together in groups of 8-10

Answer 1

Small Group Learning

Question 2

improves student interest, teamwork ability, knowledge retention, and self-directed learning; also enhances transfer of innovative issues

Answer 2

Small Group Teaching

Question 3

integral to consolidate learning, clarify understanding, and explore ideas and concepts during discussions

Answer 3

active participation, feedback, and reflection

Question 4

Basic Steps in Development of Effective Small Group Teaching Session

Answer 4

1. Establish departamental planning committee to develop and coordinate the implementation of the session
2. Specify clearly the learning outcomes
3. Prepare the students to work in small group by assigning the topic, guidelines, and providing all the required resources
4. Provide pleasant environment to develop appropriate groups so the students can be actively involved in the learning session
5. Monitor group activity by observing participation of group members
6. Evaluate the activity by summarizing the main points and getting the student’s feedback

Question 5

Factors that affect a pleasant environment

Answer 5

1. Physical position of the group members
2. Shape and size of the room
3. Arrangement of chairs and tables

Question 6

what to monitor in a group activity

Answer 6

1. equal distribution of tasks
2. anyone dominating in the group
3. anyone undermining the group members
4. who holds the power
5. who resolves the conflict if they arise

Question 7

Examples of working with small groups

Answer 7

1. brainstorm session
2. buzz group
3. fishbowl
4. problem
5. seminar
6. snowballing
7. syndicate

Question 8

where all ideas are accepted and recorded

Answer 8

brainstorm session

Question 9

2-3 people discusses an issue shortly, then comments are collected and will be summarized to a large group

Answer 9

buzz group

Question 10

students are selected from a class, sits in front of a panel and discusses the topic; after, discussion is open to the whole class

Answer 10

fishbowl

Question 11

based tutorial group - a small group using problem-based learning

Answer 11

problem

Question 12

group discussion of a paper presented by a student

Answer 12

seminar

Question 13

involved grouping ideas that are written on small slips of paper

Answer 13

snowballing

Question 14

a mini-project work and followed by reporting it to the whole class

Answer 14

syndicate

Question 15

skills for effective small group teaching

Answer 15

• questioning
• listening
• responding

Question 16

good ? requires preparation, practice, and reflection by students and teachers

Answer 16

questioning

Question 17

7 types of questions

Answer 17

1. narrow question
2. broad question
3. recall question
4. question with direct observation
5. clear questions
6. encouraging style of questioning
7. probing questions

Question 18

requires a brief, factual response, and a correct answer

Answer 18

narrow question

Question 19

requires a more wide-ranging answer and can be answered in a number of different ways

Answer 19

broad question

Question 20

useful at the start of the discussion to assess prior knowledge to a topic that is already discussed

Answer 20

recall question

Question 21

students directly evaluate the subject

Answer 21

question with direct observation

Question 22

must be brief, direct, and firmly anchored in context

Answer 22

clear questions

Question 23

encourages students to ask questions

Answer 23

encouraging style of questioning

Question 24

useful at the start of the discussion to assess prior knowledge on a topic that is not yet discussed

Answer 24

probing question

Question 25

fosters various cognitive processes, such as analysis, comprehension, synthesis, and evaluation, among all group members

Answer 25

listening

Question 26

when responding to learners, it’s essential to provide appropriate consequences that consider their cognitive learning outcomes, interpersonal needs, confidence, and knowledge level

Answer 26

responding