Question

Why did the teacher ask students to organize themselves into small groups?

Answer 1

The teacher may ask students to form small groups to promote collaborative learning and reduce social loafing. Group work improves learning outcomes and teamwork skills. It also serves as a part of the hidden curriculum, preparing students for professional environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teacher may have asked students to organize themselves into small groups for several pedagogical reasons. Utilizing a group-based approach can enhance collaborative learning and reduce instances of social loafing or free-riding. According to Harding (2018), a flocking method of forming groups based on similar schedules and motivations can lead to improved group dynamics and outcomes, effectively lowering the occurrence of students not pulling their weight within the group. Additionally, group collaboration tasks, like in the provided instructions, allow for a diverse exchange of ideas, constructive criticism, and the opportunity for students to engage with different perspectives, thereby enriching their learning experience and fostering teamwork skills.

Group work also has a role in the hidden curriculum, teaching students latent functions such as dealing with bureaucracy, rules, and societal expectations, which can mirror the collaborative working environment of the professional world. Overall, when structured efficiently, group activities can significantly benefit students academically and socially by prompting active participation and shared responsibility for outcomes.

Answer 2

Teachers ask students to organize into small groups to reduce social loafing, improve group performance, and practice cooperative skills. Group work enriches learning experiences through idea sharing and feedback, and helps prepare students for professional collaboration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Teachers often ask students to organize themselves into small groups for a variety of educational purposes. In college settings, this approach can be part of an instructional strategy to combat social loafing and enhance group performance. Harding (2018) found that groups formed via flocking, which considers schedules and motivations, reported less free-riding and performed better on assignments than self-selected groups. Furthermore, the group work method helps students practice cooperative skills which are important for their future professional lives, as per the concept of the hidden curriculum.

When students collaborate in small groups, they have the opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback, which can enrich the learning experience for all members. For instance, by listing potential topics and rotating the list for comments and questions, students engage deeply with the material and with each other's perspectives. Creating a respectful environment where diverse opinions are considered helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which aligns with the goal of higher education to prepare individuals to function effectively in diverse and complex societies.