Benefits of Groupwork

Benefits of group work

 Good group work has great potential for the following reasons:

• Students are encouraged to become active rather than passive learners by
developing collaborative and co-operative skills, and lifelong learning skills.
• It encourages the development of critical thinking skills.
• It requires the establishment of an environment of support, trust and co-operative
learning can be nurtured.
• It promotes student learning and achievement.
• Students have the opportunity to learn from and to teach each other.
• Deep rather than surface approaches to learning are encouraged.
• It facilitates greater transfer of previous knowledge and learning.
• The focus is on student centred approach to teaching and learning, and
assessment.
• Students are involved in their own learning.
• It enhances social skills and interactions.
• Learning outcomes are improved.
• Large numbers of students can be catered for and work on task simultaneously.
• Interaction and co-operation on a micro scale is facilitated thus decreasing a
sense of isolation felt by some.
• Quiet students have an opportunity to speak and be heard in small groups thus
overcoming the anonymity and passivity associated with large groups.
• Teaching, learning and assessment options are increased.
• Teaching effectiveness and efficiency increases, and as a result there is
increased enjoyment of teaching by staff (and students).
• Students get the chance to work on large projects (larger in scope or complexity
than individual tasks).
• Students from diverse backgrounds are provided with the opportunity to be
heard, share experiences and skills, and to participate in unique ways (may
provide a new perspective).
• It can save time and requires a shared workload.
• Alternative ideas and points of view can be generated.
• It provides a structured learning experience that can prepare students for the
realities and diversity of the workplace, working with people with different skills,
cultures, approaches and from different places.
• Students develop and practice skills in: decision making, problem solving, values
clarification, communication, critical thinking, negotiation, conflict resolution, and
teamwork.
• The opportunity exists to nurture and develop Graduate Student Attributes.
• It makes the Unit of Study challenging, interesting, motivating, engaging, and fun
(for everyone)!

http://sydney.edu.au/education_social_work/groupwork/docs/BenefitsOfGW.pdf