Learning in and about groups

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Taking this module gives you competencies to

understand the possibilities of small and peer groups in university teaching and learning
to understand the theoretical foundation and basic elements and requirements for peer group learning
be able to apply group learning in own teaching practices
increase self-knowledge as a facilitator of group learning through self-reflection
be able to critically reflect own position in small group and peer group situations

Content: Social dimensions of small and peer groups; Group learning in experiential learning theories; Starting small or peer group learning; Creating safe atmosphere; Teacher as a facilitator of group learning; Self-reflection as a facilitator

Learning in and about peer groups is an introductory pedagogical online course for university teachers. It focuses on the possibilities of working with peers in small groups in order to enhance learning. The idea of small groups is a form of social and collaborative learning, which is grounded in student-centered learning. The students have an active role in their own learning processes. The goal is to learn together, share the thoughts and ideas, open up new ideas of the learning subject, as well as support one another in the learning process. In this course the aim is to learn the basic ideas of learning in peer groups and the elements that need to be considered when utilizing the groups in learning processes.

PRE-REFLECTION

WRITE a self-reflection for yourself on experiences as facilitating small group learning and/or being a learner in a small group. What are the main points or key elements that you can find in your experience? What would you like to learn more about small groups in learning?

ASSIGNMENTS

Option 1
Watch the videos first and read the three recommended articles afterwards, plus additional readings according to your interests (article links below).

Option 2
Watch a video + read an article in pairs:

VIDEO 1: Beauty of Groups: Learning in and about Small Groups in HE
ARTICLE: Small group teaching: a toolkit for learning.

VIDEO 2: Basic themes in group processes from the viewpoint of experiential learning theory
ARTICLE: Special Focus Issue: Small-Group Learning in Higher Education—Cooperative, Collaborative, Problem-Based, and Team-Based Learning.

VIDEO 3: Why and how to enable and facilitate group learning
ARTICLE: Group Work: How to Use Groups Effectively.

POST-REFLECTION

Read your pre-reflection again: what have you learned from this material and how does that reflect on your prior experiences on small group learning? How could you take into practice in your teaching the things you have learned about the small groups during this course?

Learning in and about groups

Introduction

Self-study

Videos

Articles