A social form of classwork – group work

Abstract

The article affirms classwork in small groups as an organizational way of achieving the principle of active learning and the construction of knowledge through the cooperation of students while working on an assignment together. Group work achieves the individualization of classwork through the activities of the students and their active participation in organizing the work, deciding the order of activities and the method of work. Thus the students are given the opportunity to manage their own learning. This type of classwork also achieves the socialization of students which through cooperation, communication, and interpersonal interaction increases the sense of community. The students are sensitized to different ways of thinking and acting, and they view problems from multiple perspectives. Through group work they learn how to work out disagreements and are prepared for making decisions together. By working in groups the principles of active learning are achieved. By using the problem approach to learning, critical and divergent thinking are strengthened, a higher quality of content comprehension is achieved and the knowledge is retained longer. At the same time the students are motivated for work and learning activities. Activities and cooperation contribute to a united construction of knowledge and the discovery process, which leads to organizing and coordination of knowledge and in the end leads to knowledge growth. Because of all these positive effects this kind of organization of classroom practice should be more present in education. Throughout the article the demand to expand teachers' traditional authority with new ones is accentuated. The teacher needs to create a clear presentation of alternative patterns of behavior and needs to believe that he can implement them efficiently in his teaching, in order to achieve the multiple positive effects of teaching organized through students working in groups.