ONLINE ASSIGNMENT

METCA INSTITUTE OF TEACHER

EDUCATION 2014-2015

NAME : REHNA SHAMS

OPTIONAL : NATURAL SCIENCE
REG. No : 18114389012

TOPIC

SMALL GROUP

INDEX

Page No.

Introduction

Content

2-6

Conclusion

References

INTRODUCTION

A discussion is a teaching technique that involves an exchange

of ideas with active learning and participation by all concerned. Discussion is an
active process of student teacher involvement in the class room environment.
Discussion promotes personal interaction it also promotes content variety of
learning.
The term small group teaching or small group learning as it is
often termed means different things to different people. Some are familiar with
the tutorial as being their experience of small group teaching.

CONTENT

A major tenet of the constructivist philosophy is the importance

of an active learning environment. Active learning can be implemented by
organizing the class into small groups of students who can work harmoniously,
foster their own learning strategies and create an atmosphere in which
information sharing can take place.
A discussion is a teaching technique that involves an exchange of
ideas with active learning and participation by all concerned. Discussion is an
active process of student teacher involvement in the classroom environment.
Discussion allows a student to discover and state a personal opinion perspective
not merely repeat what the teacher or text has already presented. Besides
promoting meaningful personal interaction discussion promotes variety of
learning, including content, skill attitude and process. It is an appropriate way to
improve both the thinking and the speaking skill of students.
Four basic concepts are to be considered for the initiating small group discussion.

Process
Roles
Leadership
Cohesion

Process : - The interaction that take place within the group.

Roles : - Each group members specific responsibilities within the group
Leadership : - The capacity to guide and direct others in a group setting.
Cohesion :- Group members support for one another.

Learner Benefits from discussion

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Increased depth of understanding and grasp the course content.

Enhanced motivation and greater involvement with the course.
Positive attitudes towards later use of material presented in the course.
Problem solving skill specific to the content of the course.
Practice in the application of concepts and information to practical
problems.

Basic small group discussion types

There are six basic type of small group discussion. Brain storming, tutorials,
task directed discussion, role playing, stimulations and enquiry centered
discussion. These basic types of discussion have been viewed along a continuum
from greater teacher control to lesser teacher control.

Brain storming
Brain storming is widely and success fully used technique of teaching for the
development of create potential. Osborn 1953 developed this idea getting
technique. Brain storming as a means of idea production is recognized as an
important part of the creative problems.

Rules of brain storming

1. All forms of criticisms are avoided.
2. freewheeling of ideas is invited
3. Quantity is encouraged.
A warm up session always help to stimulate the production of ideas. So a
warm session is conducted before the specific problem is to be brain stormed.
1. Sensing the problem and challenge
2. Fact finding
3. Brain storming stage
4. Evaluation of ideas
5. Planning for implementation

Tutorial
The tutorial discussion group is most frequently used to help students who
require remedial help and those with special needs. The group is small focuses on
an arrow range of materials. The tutorial leaders may or may not be similar to the
learners in age, ability. Tutors can be a private instructor, a volunteer, a parent,
guardian, another student or computer. The practice in which a student teaches
other students is peer tutoring. The term corsage tutoring is when students and
tutors differ in age. The tutorials are used to promote students further
understanding of facts, concept, theories etc.

Task-Directed Discussion
Each student in a task group can make significant contributions to the discussion.
A task group has clearly defined goals and clearly identified individual assessment
and roles. The groups tend to begin as a teacher dominated groups.

Role-playing
Role playing is a process oriented group techniques in which students act out a
real life situation. It is dealing with problem through an action. The role playing
process provides a live sample of human behaviour that serves as a vehicle for
students too.
Steps of role playing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Select the problem.

Select the participants.
Setting the stage.
Prepare observers evaluation.
Enacting.
Discussion and evaluation.

Inquiry- Centered discussion

For problem solving, inquiry centered discussion group is extremely valuable six
students per team is ideal. The purpose of an inquiry centered discussion group is
to stimulate scientific thinking, develop problem, solving skills and foster the
acquisition of new facts through discussion and analysis.

CONCLUSION
Active learning can be implemented by organizing the class in to small group of
student who can work harmoniously.

REFERENCES
Science education- Methodology of teaching and pedagogic analysis
www.wikipedia.com