S.E.A.L. Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning

Encouraging co-operative group work in the classroom

Group work in the classroom normally includes teams of 3-5 pupils.  Groups of this size are usually quite easy for teachers to manage in terms of space and resources.  In terms of pupil achievement, groups larger than this give some pupils the chance to sit back and relax while their peers do all the work!  Groups smaller than 3 are pairs, so follow a different set of rules!

The roles should be printed out on individual laminated cards and briefly introduced by the teacher to the class as a whole.

You should allocate role cards to specific pupils within the group, taking into account their ability and personality.  It is important to challenge pupils to try out different roles; the classroom is a great and safe environment for children to try out different aspects of their character.  Pupils should be given some time to discuss the different roles amongst themselves, to discuss their new group dynamic.  It is vital that all pupils understand what is expected of each member of the group.  The time required for this process will reduce as pupils become more familiar with the roles.  (They are being used in many different departments).

While pupils are discussing their roles, you should have a meeting with the Messenger.  You should explain the group task to them.  It is their job to communicate what you have said to the rest of their group.  The Messenger can also be used if groups are becoming too loud or going off task and additional instructions need to be issued.  You could have mini-summit or crisis meetings!  The Messenger could be used to hand out commendation slips.  

At the end of the task the Messenger should present the group work as appropriate.

A vital plenary to your group work session must include feedback from the Linker Thinkers.  This is where pupils discuss not just the task completed by their group, but also evaluate how they worked as a group.  You should also consider including the Councillor in any plenary to discuss group emotions and conflict resolution.

In trials this strategy has improved the effectiveness of the group dynamic, allowing pupils to be more productive in a shorter space of time. 

Note:  Following pupil trials and the March 2009 SEAL INSET the cards have been amended in response to feedback.  The Task Master & Manager roles have been combined and a new Councillor role has been created.

THE ROLES

  • In groups of 3 the Linker Thinker should also be the Councillor and the Administrator must also take on the role of the Messenger.
  • In groups of 4 the Linker Thinker should also be the Councillor.
  • In groups of 5 everyone has their own role. 

 

 

THE MANAGER

  • You are in charge of group discussions.
  • You must organise ideas into individual tasks for the group.
  • You have to choose who is going to do what tasks.
  • You decide when the task is finished.
  • You must make sure the other ‘Roles’ are doing their jobs.
  • You get the final say in any decision.
  • You have to keep everyone on task at all times.
  • You should listen to the Councillor if they come to you with a recommendation.  It is up to you whether to act on their advice or not.

 

  • HELP YOUR TEAM COMPLETE THE TASK

 

 

THE COUNCILLOR

  • You must encourage and motivate the group.
  • You have to help resolve any disagreements in the group.
  • You should support and encourage your team.
  • You may need to advise the Manager from time to time.
  • You need to find out how individuals within the group are feeling. 
  • You need to make sure that everyone is equally included. 
  • You need to create a mood that is good for working.
  • You may be asked to tell the class how you encouraged, motivated and resolved problems within your group at the end of the task.

 

  • HELP YOUR TEAM COMPLETE THE TASK

 

 

 

THE ADMINISTRATOR

  • You must collect all the resources/equipment needed.
  • You need to make sure everyone has what they need.
  • You need to keep a written record of decisions made.
  • You should keep the work area organised and tidy.
  • You need to keep all work safe between lessons.
  • You need to check the area is tidy at the end of the lesson.

 

  • HELP YOUR TEAM COMPLETE THE TASK

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MESSENGER

  • You are the only one who can talk to the teacher
  • You will receive the task instructions from the teacher
  • You must pass on any information the teacher gives you
  • You are the only one who can ask the teacher questions
  • You will need to pass on messages from the teacher
  • You have to present your task when the time comes

 

  • HELP YOUR TEAM COMPLETE THE TASK

 

 

THE LINKER THINKER

  • You need to think about how this task is helping you learn.
  • Can you use the skills being used by your group when you leave school?  How?
  • What do other members of your group think? Ask them!
  • Watch to see if your group is working well together.
  • What you would do differently if you were the Manager?
  • You will have to share you thoughts at the end of the task. 

 

  • HELP YOUR TEAM COMPLETE THE TASK