Group learning is an effective, alternative, teaching method. It provides a relaxed atmosphere that gives students the opportunity to have fun while learning. Another advantage to group instruction is that it teaches teamwork to the students. Teamwork is an essential life skill that is useful in almost every profession. By using group instruction in the classroom, teachers not only cover learning objectives, they also provide an opportunistic setting for students to learn how to work in teams. This skill will be invaluable to them as they embark on future careers that require teamwork.

In the classroom, the power of learning comes in numbers. If students work together and enjoy doing it, they are likely to learn more from the experience. In addition, if they work together in a cooperative learning group, the power comes in another form-peer pressure. These two forces are powerful tools for the educator whose main goal is student achievement through content mastery.


Peer pressure is factor to consider when using group instruction in the classroom. When a group comes together for an assigned learning experience, there are expectations for each member of the group. If one of them fails to do their part of the assignment, he or she becomes the weakest link in the group. Kids do not want to be the weakest link, so they are more likely to do their part.

An example of group learning is the shared chapter assignment. The teacher assigns a chapter of text to multiple teams of 4 to 6 students. Each student is responsible for mastering an equal number of pages of the assigned chapter and presenting the information to his or her group. Each group elects a chairperson to present the information to the class. The groups also formulate a plan for the presentations to include visual aids. Each group presents the chapter information to the class. The entire class encounters repetitive learning after listening to multiple group presentations of the same chapter's key elements, vocabulary, etc. They learn through teamwork, responsibility and they have fun while doing it. Everybody wins.

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