Working in groups is a bad idea because it encourages weak students to let others do the work." Discuss both views and give your opinion

" The idea that working in groups is a bad thing is fundamentally mistaken because, overall, the advantages of

this

way

of configuring the

class

outweigh the potential disadvantages [of

this

way

of configuring the

class

]. In groups there is the opportunity for peer teaching, which can often be invaluable.

In addition

, lessons organised in

this

way

become less

teacher

-centred.

Moreover

, in life

today

, team-working is a feature of every workplace and one of the roles of university education is to provide a preparation for students' future careers.

Firstly

, peer teaching can contribute to effective learning in most classroom situations. Many students (especially in large classes) can benefit from

this

approach. Weaker students are often less afraid of making mistakes and taking risks in front of their peers, than in close contact with their

teacher

or in front of the whole

class

.

Also

, with regard to the stronger students, a perfect

way

to consolidate their learning is to transmit that knowledge to others.

Furthermore

, most pedagogic approaches

today

concur that a lesson

that is

focused on the

teacher

at all times, is one from which the students are unlikely to benefit. Certainly, some classroom activities, like project

work

Accept comma addition

work, for

for example

, are best conducted in small groups. The

teacher

as the source of all wisdom standing at the front of the

class

, the 'jug and mug' model of education, is not only antiquated, but

also

ineffective. A

further

benefit of group-teaching is the preparation it provides for working in teams. In a great variety of careers

today

, the employees are asked to, and are judged on their ability to work in teams. Group working in

class

represents basically the same concept. The same skills are being tested and developed - interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, to mention just two. In business

today

, the ability to lead effectively and to support one's peers is prized almost above all other skills. In

conclusion

Accept comma addition

conclusion, then

then

, while it may sometimes be true that the weak students may 'take it easy' sometimes in groups, allowing others to work hard to compensate for their laziness, if the lesson materials are interesting and the

teacher

motivating,

this

is a rare occurrence. As outlined above, there are so many 'pros' to

this

method of classroom configuration that these easily outweigh

this

somewhat questionable 'con'.