Purpose Statement
Although many students are used to working in small groups
in cooperative learning lessons in class, students need to learn skills for
working in a team that is more "long term". In this activity,
students learn interdependence as well as personal responsibility, ultimately
demonstrating the value of teamwork.
Description of
Activity
I divide the class into seven groups of three to five
students. Since I teach a reading class, the assignment is for each group to
read a different non-fiction book.
Each group member has a task. For instance, one keeps the group's files
updated, one schedules group meetings outside of class and contacts group
members, one arranges field research outside of City College, etc.
Each group is given a reading schedule so that all groups start and end one the
same day. Each class meeting (or "book club"), groups gather to
discuss the reading that they completed for that day. Students are to bring in
a concept map or outline of the reading to share with their group. In these
book clubs, students clarify difficult parts of the text for each other,
discuss issues brought up in the text, and in general, help keep each other
focused and on track in their reading. Students who are more responsible with
their work "get on the case" of those who do not, and motivate each
other to get their work done more effectively than one instructor can.
I also assign specific topics or questions for the "book clubs" to
discuss or answer. Later, in class, we can use these as a discussion for the
whole class.
In my class, the "book clubs" are one part of an extensive class
project. Students do "field research" on the subject of their book
(personal interviews, etc), collect research, make annotated bibliographies,
watch a movie that can be compared and contrasted with their book, and finally,
make a 45 minute presentation to the class.
Materials Needed
The way I schedule this project, it takes about 5-6 weeks of
class (about one-third of the semester). But, the "book club"
sessions run about 30-40 minutes of class time. Of course, this project would
be modified for each instructor and course.
It is helpful to have the project well-organized. I give each group a folder
and checklist for final work. I bring to each book club class a file crate with
book club and individual student files, which the students are in charge of
keeping. (This teaches good organizational skills.)
Application
Each semester that I have done this project, students have
exceeded my expectations, as well as their own. Many students commented that
the group work taught them to rely on themselves and on the other members of
their team. Students grew into leaders. Students who were not responsible
learned the importance of not letting your group down.
Students learned firsthand about different learning styles, and I think also
gained a better understanding of cultures other than their own through working
closely over a period of time in a diverse small group.
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web page was created on 6/6/99 at 5:27:02 PM
and modified on 6/6/99 at 5:27:02 PM