Thanks for sharing this as well! So many questions! How resistant are students to working with their randomized groups of three? Is this the same or different from where they sit? How well do they stay with their groups? When in class do you share out the groups? Do you use Flippity so they can see the groups randomly formed with no input from you? Thanks for answering whichever question or questions you have time for. I understand too if you're too busy to respond -- I know what it's like to have grading, family obligations, etc.
Each class is different when it comes to random groups. Some resist more than others but all of them will do it. I think deep down they know it works and they sometimes get to be with their friends. I use a random generator and choose a student to tell me how many times I will hit randomize. This lets them see that I have no control over the groups. It is recommended to pass out cards because students tend to be vocal about their disappointment in their group choice. I saw this with both methods so I like using the random generator so that I know which groups the students should be in. I have noticed that as the year goes on students are much less likely to complain about their group because they have gotten to know and work with each other. I will have a few drifters and will have to tell them to go back to their group. But this would happen if they are sitting they just wouldn't stand out as being off task. I have students sit in assigned seats at the beginning of class and then assign random groups once I have given directions.
Thank you so much for taking the time to thoughtfully reply. Yes, I think you're right that deep down they know it works and sometimes they get to be with their friends. I’m curious about what you mean by pass out cards? Do you randomize, then write the groups down on cards, but keep the groups hidden from the students until they see a card with their group on it? I like the idea of having a student say how many times to press the randomize button. How do you reduce students being vocal about their disappointment in their group choice with cards?
I use playing cards. I have numbers at each board. I only put three of each number in my hand a let students pick a card. They are less likely to be as vocal about who is in their group when they get the card because they don’t know who is in their group until they get to the board to work. Unlike the random generator that shows the groups all at once. The problem with the cards is they are sly and sometimes switch. So I guess you have to decide which battle to fight.
Thanks for sharing this as well! So many questions! How resistant are students to working with their randomized groups of three? Is this the same or different from where they sit? How well do they stay with their groups? When in class do you share out the groups? Do you use Flippity so they can see the groups randomly formed with no input from you? Thanks for answering whichever question or questions you have time for. I understand too if you're too busy to respond -- I know what it's like to have grading, family obligations, etc.
Each class is different when it comes to random groups. Some resist more than others but all of them will do it. I think deep down they know it works and they sometimes get to be with their friends. I use a random generator and choose a student to tell me how many times I will hit randomize. This lets them see that I have no control over the groups. It is recommended to pass out cards because students tend to be vocal about their disappointment in their group choice. I saw this with both methods so I like using the random generator so that I know which groups the students should be in. I have noticed that as the year goes on students are much less likely to complain about their group because they have gotten to know and work with each other. I will have a few drifters and will have to tell them to go back to their group. But this would happen if they are sitting they just wouldn't stand out as being off task. I have students sit in assigned seats at the beginning of class and then assign random groups once I have given directions.
Thank you so much for taking the time to thoughtfully reply. Yes, I think you're right that deep down they know it works and sometimes they get to be with their friends. I’m curious about what you mean by pass out cards? Do you randomize, then write the groups down on cards, but keep the groups hidden from the students until they see a card with their group on it? I like the idea of having a student say how many times to press the randomize button. How do you reduce students being vocal about their disappointment in their group choice with cards?
I use playing cards. I have numbers at each board. I only put three of each number in my hand a let students pick a card. They are less likely to be as vocal about who is in their group when they get the card because they don’t know who is in their group until they get to the board to work. Unlike the random generator that shows the groups all at once. The problem with the cards is they are sly and sometimes switch. So I guess you have to decide which battle to fight.
Totally (about picking battles). I like this idea very much. Thank you!