I can't get my college freshmen to do any group work in this GE writing class. They just won't talk to each other. They'll read each other's drafts if I force them but then...crickets.🤷♀️
This happened to me yesterday! I just wanted them to discuss a reading in small groups (I even had them read the article in class since it was short) and then no one moved or even attempted to talk to anyone else. Also like half the class didn't show up.
This class hasn't started to gel just yet. There are two students who are doing most of the talking, so I need to figure out how to get everyone else on board. At the same time, I need the class to, you know, try a little more?
Comments
Students: *annotate the reading individually, without speaking to one another*
Me: you know with group work you actually have to like... talk to each other?
Students: *surprised pikachu face*
Student (not even best student!): Wait a minute: isn’t this just the prisoners’ dilemma?
Me: So, then, let’s take a look at tonight’s reading . . .