Have you noticed that some practices in education seem to be shrouded in secrecy? These strategies are talked about all the time by administrators, in books, and amongst other teachers but no one breaks down exactly how to make it happen in a classroom.
Those topics also eluded me as a classroom teacher and I always wondered, “Why doesn’t anyone tell me exactly how to do this?”
Enter our new pedagogy help series at Exploros called “Teacher Toolkit: Mastering the Craft.” We will address those topics that no one ever truly instructs educators on implementing “for real” and make those practices possible step-by-step.
Our first practice is the art of the small group. There are two types of small groups often used in a classroom: small collaborative groups and small group instruction.
Small collaborative groups are when 2-4 students work together to complete a learning task within the whole group setting.
Small group instruction is when a teacher works with a small group of students (usually no larger than 5) on a skill or concept. The rest of the class simultaneously completes other tasks, assignments, or projects.
In the Exploros learning experiences, “small groups” usually refers to small collaborative groups. These activities can also be used with teacher-led small groups as you see student need arise.
This is such a big topic that it is split into three articles on our help desk:
Small Collaborative Group Instruction
Teacher-Led Small Group Instruction
What is the Rest of My Class Doing During Teacher Guided Small Groups?
Especially with older students, I never really received comprehensive instruction as a teacher on how to make either type of small group work within my classroom structure. However, once I began using these methods, I saw such a difference in both my students' engagement with the content and their behavior. I believe that not only is small group instruction a valuable tool for learning, it feeds each student’s need for positive attention and for building relationships with the teacher and their peers.
Why should you as the teacher take time to plan and use small group instruction? There are several reasons listed below. And, yes, I’m talking about using small groups in all K-12 classrooms, not just elementary!
Promotes Active Learning
Engagement: Small groups encourage active participation, as students are more likely to contribute in a smaller setting than in a whole-class discussion. In addition, you are more likely to promote engagement in all areas of instruction from having this time to get to learn about each student.
Discussion: Students can engage in meaningful discussions, analyze different perspectives, and develop critical thinking skills through talking with other students in your classroom.
Differentiates Instruction
Tailored Learning: Small group instruction allows you to differentiate content, process, and product based on students’ varying abilities, interests, and learning styles.
Targeted Support: You can provide more focused instruction and support to students who need extra help, while allowing advanced students to explore more challenging material.
Fosters Collaboration and Communication
Teamwork Skills: Working in small groups helps students develop essential collaboration skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
Peer Learning: Students can learn from each other by explaining concepts, asking questions, and sharing ideas, which reinforces their understanding. Furthermore, students who do not always get to work together in groups will be able to do so in this forum.
Encourages Deeper Understanding
Critical Thinking: Small group activities often require students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.
Ownership of Learning: Students take more responsibility for their own learning and that of their peers, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement.
Builds Confidence
Safe Environment: In smaller groups, students may feel more comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and expressing their ideas, which can build their confidence over time.
Leadership Opportunities: Students have the chance to take on different roles within the group. The introverted and shy students will particularly benefit from this style of learning.
Enhances Classroom Management
Focused Attention: With students working in small groups, you can more easily monitor their progress and behavior, allowing for more effective classroom management.
Efficient Use of Time: Small group instruction can make classroom time more efficient, as students can work simultaneously on different tasks, allowing for a more dynamic learning environment.
Prepares Students for the Future
Real-World Skills: In education, “real world skills” has been a phrase we have used a long time. However, it is true that students will need to know how to work with others in group settings. Think about how much you do this as an adult in your job and your life. Collaboration and communication are key skills in the modern workforce. Small group work helps students practice these skills in a controlled environment.
Adaptability: Working in different groups with various peers prepares students to adapt to different team dynamics, which is valuable in both academic and professional settings.
Facilitates Formative Assessment
Ongoing Feedback: Small group settings allow you to provide more immediate and personalized feedback, helping students improve their understanding and skills as they progress. The value of being able to target misunderstandings and clear up any questions from students during a small group session is invaluable.
Insight into Student Thinking: By observing and interacting with small groups, you gain insights into students’ thought processes, which can inform your teaching and help you address any misconceptions.
As with all classroom activities, the management practices of how you want your classroom to run must be specifically designed, addressed, and practiced multiple times before students will master this skill. Don’t give up on the first few times! It will come in time.
Here are more articles about small group instruction: