Description: In a Case Study student teams “review a written study of a real-life scenario containing a field-related problem situation. These cases usually include a brief history of how the situation develop and present a dilemma that a key character within the scenario is facing (Barkley, et al, 2014, p. 238). Students then draw on […]
Word Webs
April 19, 2019 by ·
Description: Word Webs are a collaborative approach to concept mapping. A central idea is added to a shared writing space. In small groups, students then generate a list of related ideas and organize them around the central idea in which they can visually represent how the ideas connect. This technique helps students to analyze challenging […]
Sequence Chains
April 19, 2019 by ·
Description: In this activity groups of students “analyze and depict graphically a sequence of events, actions, roles, or decisions. Sequence chains require students to create a visual map of the logic within a series” (Barkley, et al, 2014, p. 278). Students have to work together to identify the key events or points in the series […]
Test-Taking Teams
April 19, 2019 by ·
Description: In this activity, students work in teams to prepare for a class exam. They then take the exam individually. Then, before the exam is graded, students meet back in their teams to discuss their answers, and particularly any discrepancies. The team can either turn in one exam for the group or each student can […]
Learning Teams
April 12, 2019 by ·
Description: For this type of group, students are divided into groups at the beginning of the term. When you want to incorporate small group discussion or teamwork into your class, you direct the students to get into these term-long learning groups. Groups of four work well, because each foursome can be subdivided into pairs, depending […]
Fishbowl
April 12, 2019 by ·
Description: This method involves one group observing another group. The first group forms a circle and either discusses an issue or topic, does a role play, or performs a brief drama. The second group forms a circle around the inner group. Depending on the inner group’s task and the context of your course, the outer […]
Jigsaw
April 12, 2019 by ·
Description: This strategy involves students becoming “experts” on one aspect of a topic, then sharing their expertise with others. Divide a topic into a few constitutive parts (“puzzle pieces”). Form subgroups of 3-5 and assign each subgroup a different “piece” of the topic (or, if the class is large, assign two or more subgroups to […]
Rotating Trios
April 12, 2019 by ·
Description: This strategy involves students discussing issues with many of their fellow classmates in turn. Beforehand, prepare discussion questions. In class, students form trios, with the groups arranged in a large circle or square formation. Give the students a question and suggest that each person take a turn answering. After a suitable time period, ask […]