Individual+v.+Group+Work

//Affordances & Constraints//

 * || **Affordances/Strengths** || **Constraints/Weaknesses/Concerns** ||
 * **Individual/Independent Work** || Student Perspective:
 * not held back by other students
 * focus on & utilize unique talents/strengths
 * total control of project
 * not worrying about others not doing their part
 * ability to show off - "it's all mine"; prideful
 * listening to their inner voice - "I can do this!"
 * pacing

Teacher Perspective:
 * easy to assess
 * easier to identify individual skills, strengths, interests
 * greater opportunities for independent challenge
 * || * listening to inner voice - "I can't do this!"
 * if you don't have all of the skills there's no one to lean on; nobody to go to
 * limit idea generation; constraining ideas
 * not considering different points of view
 * total ownership of failures
 * exposes weaknesses or inabilities
 * hard to get started; "where do I begin?"
 * not a social learning environment
 * no sharing of workload

Teacher Perspective
 * a lot to grade & store
 * more fires to put out - more of the same questions
 * **Group Work** || * ability to share ideas
 * idea generation/idea building - one seed, another sprouts
 * opportunities to teach to someone else
 * for students - free load opportunity
 * not as intimidating; easier to take learning risks
 * peer guidance
 * not lonely
 * build on, compliment one another's learning strengths
 * "life boat" syndrome
 * share perspectives
 * group dynamic
 * socializing
 * socializing

Teacher Perspective:
 * students helping each other
 * less fires to put out
 * help students learn to compromise, or reach consensus
 * provides opportunity to approach challenges more flexibly
 * studio mentality - sharing ideas, solutions, etc || * group dynamic
 * hijacking
 * group grades
 * not as much opportunity to show off my talents; pride

Teacher Perspective:
 * dealing with group dynamics
 * less ability to differentiate
 * more parent complaints - group grades

What is hard for kids to work through when in pairs or teams?
 * group dynamics
 * grading - group v individual
 * cooperation
 * roles & responsibilities
 * citizenship
 * recognizing value in others contributions
 * balancing listening & speaking
 * reflection - team member & learner
 * time management
 * resource management