Small group work in an HSE class

Hello colleagues,

Recently I just happened to observe a new HSE teacher in my local program for a few minutes as I was gathering computers for my class that are stored in the HSE classroom. This was a new cohort of HSE learners who had just started the class in the new year. I was delighted to see the teacher engaging learners in a highly interactive science lesson that required them to work in small groups.  I'll admit that the students seemed a bit uncertain about what the teacher was asking them to do. In my experience, it is pretty common for adult learners to expect the teacher to be in control and to provide them with the content they need to be successful on an HSE test. Learners do not always expect to be working in small groups.

How do HSE teachers prepare students for the unexpected, i.e., working in small groups? Could you tell us about the successes as well as any challenges you've had with implementing small group work in your class? What examples can you share from your work?

By the way, the lesson I observed was highly successful, and I believe these adults now expect to be learning with and from others in the classroom, which is a win-win for all.

Cheers, Susan Finn Miller

Moderator, Teaching & Learning CoP

 

Comments

I teach GED-level students in a level five correctional facility.  Often, I have students work in pairs or small groups (3-4) when completing a worksheet or packet - for RLA, science, social studies, and/or mathematics.  It is a time of opportunity for them to teach each other, and learn more/better through the process, by helping their peers.  There may be times that someone incorrectly instructs another, but that is not the case most of the time.  Even so, it then presents another opportunity that no one is perfect and to learn from mistakes! :)