In order to do so, it is important to consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement. Group work is time-consuming, requires excellent classroom management skills, and entails the challenge of obtaining a quality effort from each team member. Small group instruction is not better than whole group because each one accomplishes a certain goal based on the objective that has to mastered. •Describe educational outcomes of small group learning •Describe strategies for developing effective groups ... •Students develop skills necessary to work in a group or team setting •Opportunities for reflection on learning ... Steinert Y. Use these assessments to help keep group projects effective and fair for every student. Teaching and learning in higher education are changing. Give specific time limits and instructions. 2004; 38:286-293. The term 'small group teaching', or 'small group learning' as it is often termed, means different things to different people. One small group learning methodology where the use of group roles is well-defined and researched is the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) method. Student perceptions of effective small group teaching. While small group learning and teaching is commonly associated with tutorials and seminars, it may also include learning and teaching contexts such as Studio, practicals and Laboratory teaching. This rationale for using small group as an instructional method to master an objective makes complete sense. Active learning has become an important focus in this time of pedagogical change. Prof. Jill Robinson (Chemistry) uses small groups for problem solving and “clickers” to collect student responses to get students to think deeply about fundamental chemical principles that can influence our climate. Limit groups to 2-3 students each. Small-Group Discussions: Facilitation Strategies and Selected Models Strategies for Facilitating Small-Group Discussions. Yet in the small-group setting, students have a greater opportunity for participation and the possibility of increased learning and retention. Some are familiar with the tutorial as being their experience of small group teaching. The Tutorials page discusses a range of Student-Centred active learning strategies you might integrate into your small classes. Med Teach. The tutorial is usually linked with a series of lectures and its role is to complement the lecture. Assessment Strategies for Classroom Group Work. Discussion is a powerful mechanism for active learning; a well-facilitated discussion allows the participant to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others. That shouldn’t put us off – aren’t all teaching and learning strategies subject to such risks? 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