Design Patterns for CS Education/Design Patterns/Group discussions

Group discussions

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Pattern Name

Group Discussions

Problem: Student’s knowledge is not shared, questioned or criticized

Level (any)

Semester (any)

Activity type (any)

Solution: After the course content is being taught at the end of each session or beginning of the following session students are grouped into 3-4 members.

A topic will be raised by the instructor about a specific course topic and ask the groups to discuss about and submit a summary of the discussion. Formation (random)

Size (pairs, small)

Composition (any)

Duration (single class, topic based)

Contribution to grade (small)

Activity progression ( individual to group)

Roles (any)

Rationale: The students can benefit from other group’s idea and learn about broader perspectives and communicate with all the students of the class.

A sense of collaborative competition will encourage them to think more critically and in depth about the topics.

Potential Pitfalls: Designing a good and relevant topic or problem for discussion is a challenge which needs time and effort.

Defining a reasonable time frame for discussion which be appropriate for the knowledge level of all students.