14 Working in groups using PBL

“…collaborative learning scenarios in which learners learn together will gain in importance instead of an orientation towards knowledge transfer (lecture formats).” (Ehlers, 2020, 230)

Within this module you will be working in groups to engage collaboratively in Problem-Based Learning using scenarios to boost participation and develop a wide range of skills and competencies through inquiry valuable for work and life (Sabarinathan et al, 2024).

There are many benefits of working in groups, for both yourself and your fellow members. These include the following:

• Getting to know others, building relationships and feeling connected.
• Experiencing how others can enrich your own learning experience.
• Considering the diverse perspectives of others.
• Learning new skills by putting them into practice.
• Sharing your personal strengths to help the group as a whole succeed.
• Developing yourself further by growing your skills and capabilities.
• Sharing responsibility for achieving a successful outcome or solving real-world challenges.
• Commit to the group’s shared goal.
• Assign a role for each group member.
• Be a reliable group member and do the work you promised to do in the agreed timeframe.
• Help group members if they need it.
• Reflect on your learning as a group and individual group member.
• Evaluate how well you did and what you could do differently next time.
• Celebrate together what you have achieved!

Working in groups can be rewarding. It can also be challenging. The list below suggests ways in which you can make the most of these opportunities for collaboration:

• Get to know each other by engaging in a social and playful activity.
• Show respect for your fellow group members; everyone brings something unique that can complement the contributions of others.
• Listen and be open to the perspectives of your fellow group members.
• Create a sense of shared ownership by agreeing as a group what you will do and how you’ll work together.
• Determine what role each member of the group will play, who will do what (and by when) and make a record of this.
• Schedule regular meetings and follow up on the progress of tasks.
• Participate actively, demonstrating responsibility and commitment to group’s goals.
• Demonstrate clear communication – if things aren’t going well, be open about it and focus on finding a solution together.
• Be self-aware by acknowledging that we all have good and bad moments – resolve misunderstandings and conflict to enable the group to move forward.
• Provide support for fellow members and celebrate your successes.

Some things to think about: What impact do you think the following factors will have on interaction and participation?

• Cultural diversity and diversity of roles/backgrounds.
• Diversity of seniority and potential power challenges.
• Different motivations and interests.
• Selective and immersive collaboration patterns.
• Differing learning needs, engagement patterns and learning goals.

For ideas regarding time management, you can explore this GenAI generated presentation edited by Chrissi Nerantzi.