Working In Group

 Group work can be an effective method to motivate students, encourage active learning, and develop key critical-thinking, communication, and decision-making skills. But without careful planning and facilitation, group work can frustrate students and instructors and feel
like a waste of time. Use these suggestions to help implement group work successfully in your classroom.

ACTIVITY: "Rakhi Making Competition"

Our Institute organized a "Rakhi Making Competition" on the occasion of RAKSHA BANDHAN {a Hindu festival which celebrates the love and responsibility between brother and sister} for all the students of B.Ed. The students were distributed in around 17 or 18 groups of 5 or 6 students in each. Each group had to prepare a rakhi and a thali for the competition.

Conducted on :  September 29,2015
Duration :  2 Hours

PURPOSE OF THE COMPETITION

Group projects can help students develop a host of skills that are increasingly important in the professional world.  Positive group experiences, moreover, have been shown to contribute to student learning, retention and overall college success.

During this group activity we incorporate following things within ourselves :·         Break complex tasks into parts and steps
·         Plan and manage time
·         Refine understanding through discussion and explanation
·         Give and receive feedback on performance
·         Challenge assumptions
·         Develop stronger communication skills.
·         Develop their own voice and perspectives in relation to peers.
·         Share diverse perspectives.·         Delegate roles and responsibilities.
·          Hold one another (and be held) accountable.
·         Receive social support and encouragement to take risks.
·         Develop new approaches to resolving differences.
·         Establish a shared identity with other group members.
·         Find effective peers to emulate.
  PREPARATION FOR THE COMPETITION :

Our teacher distributed in groups and give necessary details for the competition,on the day before the competition. All the groups were supposed to bring their own materials like flowers,ribbbons of different colours,leaves,stones,rice and so on decorative things to make their presentation more attractive and creative. Before starting the competition, group members divided their work and arrange all the decorative things according to the ideas of their group members.

COMPETITION:

A Healthy Competition

The competition was very healthy and enjoyable for all. All the group members work with cooperation and enthusiasm. Our teachers guide the students time to time and give positive reinforcement to encourage them. The students were giving their best in the competition. This competition given students a structured experience so they can practice skills applicable to professional situation. PARTICIPATION AND CO-OPERATION:

During this competition, we learn one more thing; participation without any type of gender discrimination or gender stereotype. All the girls and boys were participating in the competition equally without any discrimination in the competition. They were supporting each other and taking initiative during the competition.

SUGGESTION :

Successful group work requires not only careful preparation and facilitation but also regular reflection and reassessment afterward. After a class of small group activities, reflect on the group work process and refer back to the notes you made before class. Add comments about what worked especially well and what you would change in the future to make the exercise run more smoothly. Also discuss your use of group work with other instructors, and ask for their suggestions. If you feel that your facilitation skills are weak, work to strengthen them.