The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Small-group learning can mitigate the effects of school closures – but only if teachers use it well

  • Written by Mark J. Van Ryzin, Research Associate Professor in Education, University of Oregon
Small-group learning can mitigate the effects of school closures – but only if teachers use it well

Schools aren’t just where kids go to learn reading, math, science and history. The social skills they learn – like how to build and maintain relationships with peers – are also critical[1]. This is particularly true as schools grapple with the aftereffects of school closures[2] due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an education researcher[3], I have dedicated my career[4] to understanding how peer relationships affect young people’s behavior, mental health and academic success, and how teachers can enhance peer relationships through the proper use of small-group learning[5].

Warm and supportive peer relationships have wide-ranging positive effects, most notably on children’s academic success[6]. On the flip side, anxiety and depression are often preceded by peer indifference or rejection[7] – or, during school closures, by social isolation[8]. Drug use and dependence often arise when socially marginalized youths band together[9] and experiment with delinquent behavior. Students with few or no friends are often the target of bullies[10], and racial disparities can be at least partially attributed to discrimination[11] by peers.

These challenges existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic made them worse[12] – particularly for economically disadvantaged youths, who suffered disproportionately[13] during school closures.

A greater emphasis on improving peer relationships[14] through small-group learning – what educators refer to as “cooperative learning” or “peer learning” – can go a long way to addressing many of these setbacks.

How ‘peer learning’ works

Most parents have likely heard their child complain about a group activity at some point. Their child may have been involved in a group where there were no specified roles, no incentives to help one another and no accountability for individual contributions to group success. In such a lesson there can be conflict within the group or an unfair division of responsibility. This often results in a negative experience, both academically and socially.

Such informal small-group lessons lack the structure of peer learning, which calls for certain design features[15] that make small-group instruction much more likely to be successful.

First, well-designed small-group lessons give each student a unique role or task within the group so that the success of the group depends on each member’s contributions. The teacher designs the lesson with these roles or tasks in mind and ideally assigns them to group members at random.

Second, each student is held accountable for their specific role or task by both the teacher and the members of their group. This can be done by having a grading scheme for each lesson with both an individual grade and the opportunity for group members to earn additional credit tied to the success of the group as a whole.

Third, teachers define and reinforce the social skills that are needed to work successfully in small groups. For example, teachers can define a key social skill at the beginning of the lesson such as “encouraging others to participate in group discussions.” The teacher provides sentence starters – such as “What do you think about … ?” – for students to use and then listens for and reinforces the skill during the lesson.

Finally, teachers allow time at the end of the lesson for group members to reflect on their experience. Group members can pinpoint ways they can work together better next time and also provide one another positive feedback.

These four design features are vital to the success of cooperative or peer learning[16] and are relevant whether learning is conducted in person or online[17].

About 20 students walking into high school building
Friendships are good for mental health and academic success. Boston Globe via Getty Images[18]

Benefits of positive peer relationships

Studies show that the positive relationships arising from peer learning can lead to lower stress levels[19], fewer mental health problems[20] and improved behavior[21], including less frequent bullying[22] and drug use[23].

Peer learning lessons can even serve to change attitudes[24] about members of other racial or ethnic groups, which can lead to less prejudice and discrimination[25] and fewer racial disparities[26]. And a vast amount of research finds that students simply learn better[27] in properly structured small groups as compared with working alone.

Some parents may worry that a focus on improving social relations comes at the expense of academic achievement. But making time for building social skills doesn’t necessarily imply less time for academic learning. In fact, a great deal of research shows that both social relations and academic achievement can be enhanced simultaneously with peer learning[28].

In short, increased use of peer learning can help schools deal with the negative academic, social-emotional and behavioral repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping children build a future defined by social acceptance, academic achievement and enduring success.

[More than 140,000 readers get one of The Conversation’s informative newsletters. Join the list today[29].]

References

  1. ^ critical (doi.org)
  2. ^ aftereffects of school closures (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ education researcher (education.uoregon.edu)
  4. ^ my career (scholar.google.com)
  5. ^ small-group learning (markvanryzin.medium.com)
  6. ^ academic success (doi.org)
  7. ^ preceded by peer indifference or rejection (doi.org)
  8. ^ social isolation (doi.org)
  9. ^ socially marginalized youths band together (doi.org)
  10. ^ target of bullies (doi.org)
  11. ^ discrimination (doi.org)
  12. ^ pandemic made them worse (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  13. ^ suffered disproportionately (doi.org)
  14. ^ improving peer relationships (psycnet.apa.org)
  15. ^ certain design features (markvanryzin.medium.com)
  16. ^ success of cooperative or peer learning (psycnet.apa.org)
  17. ^ online (doi.org)
  18. ^ Boston Globe via Getty Images (www.gettyimages.com)
  19. ^ lower stress levels (doi.org)
  20. ^ fewer mental health problems (doi.org)
  21. ^ improved behavior (doi.org)
  22. ^ bullying (doi.org)
  23. ^ drug use (doi.org)
  24. ^ change attitudes (markvanryzin.medium.com)
  25. ^ less prejudice and discrimination (doi.org)
  26. ^ racial disparities (doi.org)
  27. ^ learn better (psycnet.apa.org)
  28. ^ peer learning (doi.org)
  29. ^ Join the list today (memberservices.theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/small-group-learning-can-mitigate-the-effects-of-school-closures-but-only-if-teachers-use-it-well-170701

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping