"Small groups don't work"

[motoko013]

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Frankly, I wish they would just assign learning objectives, suggest a textbook, and then have weekly Q&A sessions, so we can get clarification on whatever we don't understand. Before tests, the sessions would be daily for a couple of weeks.

That's pretty much what most of my class did anyway, so let's just drop the pretense. Everybody wins.

yes please. no need to waste time on non high yield lectures/pbl discussions where other students are teaching you incorrect things, and more time to study on your own. they should also lower tuition while they're at it

 

[ucsfstudents]

Small group works if you've studied and done the assigned work prior to class. Also, it works best for those who learn by talking and doing. For those who don't learn that way, small group can be somewhat painful. Regardless of your learning style, do the best you can to get the most out of small group. Do the assignment, the problems, come with questions, and come with an agenda. Read the chapter, do your own research. Also participate in small group. Answer the questions even if you're not sure. Be active and the teacher/small group leader will appreciate you more because of this.

 

[NickNaylor]

Small group works if you've studied and done the assigned work prior to class. Also, it works best for those who learn by talking and doing. For those who don't learn that way, small group can be somewhat painful. Regardless of your learning style, do the best you can to get the most out of small group. Do the assignment, the problems, come with questions, and come with an agenda. Read the chapter, do your own research. Also participate in small group. Answer the questions even if you're not sure. Be active and the teacher/small group leader will appreciate you more because of this.

Unfortunately, even if you do all of that the utility of group sessions is pretty much zero if one or two of your group members doesn't pull their weight.

 

[gravitywave]

Small group works if you've studied and done the assigned work prior to class. Also, it works best for those who learn by talking and doing. For those who don't learn that way, small group can be somewhat painful. Regardless of your learning style, do the best you can to get the most out of small group. Do the assignment, the problems, come with questions, and come with an agenda. Read the chapter, do your own research. Also participate in small group. Answer the questions even if you're not sure. Be active and the teacher/small group leader will appreciate you more because of this.

i'm certainly a "learn-by-talking+doing" person and i can tell you that it's a rare small group that's worth the time. even the ones that go relatively well are such an inefficient use of the x number of hours/day for which i have good concentration that they aren't worth it. I'm afraid this trumps any desire I might have to get the group leader to "appreciate" me.