Group projects

Today's topic in the education universe is  in the planet Group Projects. They have there place most defiantly, and some of my favorite memories involve them.  But so are some of my worst. Especially when the teacher assigned us a partner and we have no say.  I always viewed projects with a certain amount of trepidation. Its especially bad when no one likes each other in the group.  The way I saw it, there were 3 types of  partners-the good one-she let you do work while doing her own. the selfish one-she thought you were no good and did all the work, then there is the reverse of that-where the partner you have to deal with is lazy or mean and you do all the work (whether voluntarily so you get a good grade or whether you have to).  There are of course ways to keep them from being so bad.  For the selfish one, just say something like  "wow I feel like you are working way to hard, why don't I do x y or z"  then do it.  Also you can do that with someone who doesn't work.  "Wow I feel like I'm not letting you do anything, why don't you do xy z?"

Team projects are a great way to incorporate technology in the classroom. Hello web-quest! There are numerous ways to do the incorporate technology thing.  Especially if you are in a school  where each kid has his or her own laptop. 

  Children need to feel empowered sometimes. But, if you let them pick partners, the same groups always form,and the same girl  is always left out. A group project is a good way to meet people and get new ideals, also to work on those ever important social skills.  But if done in the wrong way, no one learns and no one has fun. So, What is a poor teacher to do? I always liked it best when we had a choice-of our partners and of whether to even have partners.  I dont know about you, but I always liked working alone.   I also think that we should plan lessons on how to act...a social class.  how to act with people.  I know that would have helped me tremendously. Here is a good website to get you started.  Lesson Plans Inc  Its a good website for some ideals-especially science.

As always I am willing to learn, so, comment away and have fun!  Todays picture is from  http://www.plu.edu/~alberttl/collaberation/home.html