Effective small group activities are characterised by:
- A focus on key concepts, rather than detailed procedures, except when used as exemplars.
- High levels of student talk in which students explain their own conceptions, and interpret those of others, in order to seek a common understanding that is validated by the teacher/expert. Such understanding cannot be transmitted by teacher elaboration or demonstration.
- Team activities that require students to take a position, and then work with other students to solve a common problem, promoting negotiation and listening skills, and helping to form a “learning community” that values the knowledge of peers.
- Opportunities to reflect on the ideas that have been presented, what beliefs they reflect, their value to the overall discussion, and the way conflicting views were resolved. A “parallel curriculum” of life long learning skills is also being taught.
- Assessment that promotes the contribution of ideas and working towards understanding, rather than penalises errors.
- A high level of trust between the teacher and his/her students, and between the students themselves.
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