Small Group Teaching

How do I do it?

Small group teaching encompasses both asynchronous and synchronous modes as well as hybrid forms of teaching. Small group classes provide an ideal opportunity to explore ideas and topics in depth. Active learning strategies can be utilised to promote high levels of student engagement and interest.

Asynchronous

This is likely to be a combination of delivery of learning material and interactive sessions.

• Keep it active – if students are required to engage in learning material, try and engage students in quizzes or polls.
• Frame your learning material. Ensure students know what you are going to cove, how it relates to previous material, as well as how it relates to material that follows.
• Clearly communicate to your students about times, dates and locations in vUWS.
• Promote ongoing, sustained engagement in your learning environment through discussion boards.
• If students are required to participate in quizzes, these can be assessed summatively to encourage engagement.

Synchronous (face-to-face and online)

• This mode is also known as HyFlex or Hybrid synchronous teaching and learning if online and face-to-face students are learning at the same time
• Clearly communicate the details of the session
• Communicate your expectations prior to the session and provide a loose run sheet for the lesson
• Familiarise yourself with the technology (e.g. chat functions, breakout rooms etc.) prior to the session
• Establish your shared collaborative space for documents. For example, if students will be doing group work how will they share their work with their peers?
• If in HyFlex mode, consider how your students will be allocated to tasks. Will online students be combined with face-to-face students in activities?
• Depending on the number of students, it may not be necessary to use breakout rooms – it is more important to utilise the face-to-face time for Q and A opportunities. However, if you decide to use breakout rooms make sure that they are used for the central, collaborative activity.

This is adapted from Sydney University’s document on design strategies for teaching and learning .

Resources

Small group teaching – University College London

Small group ideas – UNSW

Small group teaching – UNSW