The Benefits Of Group Work

Group study – it’s got a lot to offer, but how does it fit with intensive tutoring? At Skooli, our focus is often on 1:1 tutoring. However, we believe that small group tutoring is an important intervention strategy because the group process has many benefits for students.

In our 3-tiered approach to instruction, group tutoring falls right in the middle, after universal instruction, or tier one, but before intensive 1:1 tutoring.

These groups often consist of students with similar learning needs. Is group study something to consider for your institution or student? Let’s have a look.

Enhanced Collaborative Skills

Arguably, one of the most important skills that group tutoring can teach outside of the objective lesson plan is collaboration. In this setting, students grow and learn to become accountable not only for themselves and their own learning goals but for their group members as well.

Students in their group will have similar problems and similar goals; the group’s members not only see their own goals met and problems resolved, but they also see the same happening for the other students.

They begin to see the value of working together for a common purpose, and they see it up close and in a way that is personal and meaningful to themselves.

The lessons learned through this collaboration show young students the value of working together, and we all know this is a lesson that will pay dividends, not only during a few lessons or a semester but for a lifetime.

Active Participation and Engagement

Small groups give students more agency.

This increased agency can help students to feel empowered during instruction, and encourage deep and more active listening.

But aren’t students always supposed to be listening to instruction? Well, yes, but it’s safe to say that sometimes during class, student listening skills can falter.

Because small groups are more individualized and more direct than universal instruction, students have an opportunity to feel more engaged. During group instruction, students have more opportunities to share an idea or ask a question about a challenging concept.

This enhanced opportunity for engagement provides students with a feeling of empowerment regarding their instruction. As students take on more responsibility for their learning, their willingness to listen increases.

Boosted Self-Confidence Through Peer Interaction

As students feel more driven to take responsibility for their lessons and see how they play a role in their groupmates’ learning, they begin to build self-esteem.

Tutors can give positive feedback in an efficient and timely way when working with small numbers of students, and the group sees this positive reinforcement not only for themselves but also for other members of the group.

Students become increasingly aware of their abilities in a peer setting, which in turn increases confidence. Students take that confidence back into the classroom and continue to unlock even greater learning potential.

Small Group Tutoring

Small group tutoring is one component used on Skooli’s customized, high-intensity learning path. This learning path enables them to increase their agency, boost their confidence, and become well-rounded team members. Confident learners start here.