Working in groups often promotes learning. When given a group assignment that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, students are actively engaged in working to accomplish a single goal. Although working independently also promotes learning, this social and interactive method of learning allows for students to collaborate with one another to solve a problem. Although grouping is often done in secondary schools, post-secondary institutions also have found the merits of grouping and collaborative work.
Small groups also allow for greater differentiation of assignments that aren’t possible in a whole-group environment. If you assess your entire class and find that seven out of 25 students don’t grasp a certain skill that the rest of the class already has, then separating the class into groups can allow you to address the needs of each group. Instead of subjecting everyone to the same assignment, you can give the groups work that will focus on their specific areas of weakness.
Small groups also help with classroom management. You can have group captains who are responsible for the functions of the group. Instead of having to manage the behaviors and work of 30 students, smaller groups of five students, for example, might be easier to manage. Teachers can also monitor group work more effectively and efficiently than individually assessing the work of 30 students.
Working in groups help students develop different skills than they can from working alone. Many of the skills necessary to function and excel in a professional environment are learned in a small group setting. Leadership, managerial and social skills are vital in today’s workforce and many students would not be exposed to environments that promote the acquisition of these skills were it not for small groups.