Learning Set meeting and groupwork pitfalls

Last week, we had a Learning Set meeting during class. It was helpful to meet face to face. I was able to discuss my project in detail and get some much needed feedback. The bottom line I gleaned from discussing with my group was that I need to do a little more research into the needs of the teachers, perhaps through a survey or by talking with more teachers to get a feel for what they need in relation to the smartboards. The meeting also served to provide networking opportunities. Both Tammy and Ann offered some help to me by sharing. Tammy shared a wiki that her school system used for a technology conference. Ann promised to send a list of websites she uses for her smartboard. Both of these have proven to be helpful, in different degrees.

Working with groups has been an interesting experience. Different people react to groupwork in different ways. Some people like to share what's going on and get feedback; some like to just give feedback; some people just tolerate the groups long enough to complete the requirements of the assignment. In our other class, we've had written projects that we have had to complete in groups and there are certainly pitfalls of working with other people. Sometimes it is difficult to find a time when everyone is able to meet. Sometimes a person in the group doesn't pull their weight and the others have to pick up the slack. No one enjoys pulling up the slack for someone who isn't doing their fair share of the work. These are not new issues; it can happen any time students work with other students. It is important for us to realize this, also, as teachers. It has helped me to know who I want to work with and whose group I will avoid in the future.