This year our educators have been working hard at implementing targeted small group instruction. Here are some of the benefits:
Increased Collaboration Among Students:
In our Teacher Happiness Report, we surveyed teachers in districts about their satisfaction. High workloads and low compensation were two of the key factors, with relevant PD coming in a close third.
It Provides Individualized Instruction On A Smaller Scale:
With small group instruction, teachers have the opportunity to provide individualized instruction on a smaller and more direct scale than they can when teaching an entire class.
Students may be grouped homogeneously (putting students at the same level together) or heterogeneously (grouping students at different levels) and either way, teachers can spend one-on-one time to help students progress.
It Increases Student Engagement:
It may be all too easy for some students to disengage during whole class instruction. With limited opportunities to ask questions or share their thoughts, they may feel intimidated and allow their minds and attention to wander. In small groups, students can have a say in how they learn and may feel more empowered to let the teacher know when they don’t understand something or have an idea to share with the group.
It Increases Opportunities For Personalized Feedback:
Teachers may find it difficult to provide personalized feedback in some situations. Small groups make it easy for teachers to give students the one-on-one attention they need, to observe their learning in action, and to provide constructive feedback. Students take personalized feedback and use it during whole class instruction and when doing homework, so the result is improved student outcomes.
It Boosts Student Confidence:
Finally, small group instruction helps students gain confidence. For example, when teachers allow students to drive lessons by choosing how to learn or even by teaching one another, students become aware of their abilities and grow in self-esteem. Students who participate in small group instruction are more likely to feel confident when participating in whole class discussions as well as in small groups.
