Chapter 6: Learn Better in Group Work & Engage in Different Learning Environments
Why do you learn better when you are learning with and from your peers?
As David Boud, a professor of Deakin University, says, “Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to other and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers. They develop skills in organizing and planning learning activities.” When you work on something with your peers, you exchange ideas, thoughts, and points of view, you have the opportunity to enrich your knowledge and correct your misunderstanding, and the dynamics help push your learning deeper and further.
University education offers not only the opportunities for you to receive information and absorb knowledge but also the opportunities to learn a way of thinking that involves actively response to the ideas of others. Student-led workshops, study groups and group project are very common activities in which you can develop your collaboration and communication skills, and build knowledge with your peers through discussion, exploration and negotiation.
How can you learn effectively in a group?
The video below presents stories of two different group learning experiences. Watch this video and see whether you can identify elements of a positive group learning experience.
At university, you will find many opportunities to work with other peers in many class and assessment activities. Among the group, some members are passive and reluctant to take initiative, while some are dominating and giving instructions. The dynamics within the group can affect the learning experience and outcomes of all members. Unfortunately, this situation is very common. So, how can you proactively and effectively collaborate with your peers to maximise your learning outcomes? There are five basic elements of effective group work that you are recommended to refer to.
Here are some tips for you to get the most out of group work:
In practice, you and your group members can do the following to maximise the learning experience and outcomes in group work:
- Go through the assignment question and requirements together to reach a common understanding
- Set goals and make action plans with timeline that the whole group agrees
- Discuss the roles and responsibilities of each member in the group and commit
- Communicate and meet regularly to keep every member informed of the progress
- Discuss issues and use evidence and experience to solve problems
- Reflect on the experience for improvement
A group project contract can be used to guide your group to make agreement and commitment and facilitate discussion before you start the project. Here is an example for your use and adaption:
References
- Boud, D., Cohen, R., & Sampson, J. (2002). Peer Learning in Higher Education: Learning From & With Each Other. London, UK: Kogan Page Limited.
- The Learning to Learn Project (n.d.). How to work effectively in group project? (https://www.polyu.edu.hk/learn-to-learn/student/html/GroupProject/Overview.htm) by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Engaging in Different Learning Environments
Learning is not limited to classroom or campus. You can learn anywhere and anytime. You learn better when you interact with more people in different environments. The world outside campus provides authentic learning opportunities for you to apply knowledge and skills and experience for you to reflect on your ability. Therefore, our programmes offer a variety of activities, such as, field trip, site visit, community service and project and internship or practicum for you to interact with real-world people and work on real-world problems. With advance of technology, the virtual learning enviornment has been created, and that makes learning more flexible and aschyronous. Part of your study is carried out in the online learning environments, e.g. you are asked to read some materials on Blackboard or internet prior to the lesson. Nowadays, many of us learn by watching videos on the internet, taking online courses, and joining webinars and online conferences, etc. You can also interact with the speakers and other participants located in another part of the world using communiactional tools.
Exposure to diverse learning environments and experience of using different tools and strategies for effective learning in diverse contexts is important to develop you into an effective lifelong learner. The picture below summarises the tips on how to engage yourself in learning beyond the classroom:
