We do not need any scientific proof or academic literature to validate the value of well-structured group work and class activities.
For any teacher, nothing beats a group of self-managed pupils on a Monday morning after a long, eventful weekend.
In most cases teachers think group work means hastily grouping pupils in any disorganised order and hoping for a magical result. If, by chance, results do come, the teacher concerned risks becoming a cardiac arrest statistic. You can never throw pupils together without explaining the fundamental concept of group work. Ideally, put them in single rows first, let each child sit at his or her desk and let them develop both the concepts of individuality and independence.
Also, have a long discussion about the importance of teamwork, sharing, support and other obvious benefits of being in a group. Let your pupils make comparisons between teamwork and individual work. In the long run this will allow them to have a much broader perspective and understanding of the intentions of group work.
Before pupils are put into groups, a lot of transparency and truth commissions must be set up so that they can discuss the duration and life span of each group formed, to avoid the element of surprise.
I remember how I once had to deal with the emotional trauma and distress experienced by pupils who were unprepared for a move to different groupings. An assortment of reasons was dished out in defence of their comfort and cordiality with their established group networks.
Explain the reason for group work
It is of paramount importance to remind pupils that putting them into groups means they are there to work, as the name suggests, as a group. Usually pure fun is not what you originally plan for in lessons, but fun is a consequence of well-prepared lessons expressed through an excellent group-work approach. Most lessons fail because teachers equate an informative lesson with dullness and seriousness. This is where most teachers miss the point.
The intention is to provide pupils with the space and necessary information to engage constructively and also to allow them to have lots of fun within a group environment.
Rotating groups
Rotating groups will teach pupils the skill of adaptation and a thorough understanding of diversity. Such skills are necessary for future use when the pupils leave school and become employees in a workplace.
They will easily understand the dynamism brought forth by constant mobility or group movements. Constantly moving groups will teach them the unpredictability of life, superior coping skills and networking skills.
When group work is done properly, it brings unprecedented order and discipline as well as mutual respect among pupils.
As pupils crisscross classroom boundaries, they learn to appreciate one another, communicate with one another and be supportive of one another.
Group work teaches pupils the old wisdom that “we are as strong as the weakest member in a group”.
They also learn that the success of a group or team is not solely dependent on a single source of effort.
Xolani Majola is an education policy analyst.