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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Group work is a methodology that allows the student to learn in interaction with his/her peers, through
active involvement and participation in the teaching-learning process. However, this teaching practice
isn’t always welcome by all teachers, as it implies a pedagogical organization that contrasts in many
ways to the traditional teaching model. In addition, there is still no common understanding of the age
at which it should be implemented or of the actual benefits it can provide to students.
Bearing this assumption in mind, our goal was to find out more about teachers and students’
perspectives on group work methodology and how it should be used in the different subject areas of
primary education. Our main research objectives were to understand the importance attached to this
methodology, the subjects in which this methodology is most frequently implemented, the subjects
where students work better in group, and the kind of training in group work methodology received by
teachers.
A questionnaire was applied in three School Groupings located in Viseu (centre region of Portugal) to
a sample composed of 42 primary teachers and to their 4th grade students (218 students). 4th grade
was the school year selected because students had already developed group work assignments
before. Consequently, they were able to reflect on that past practice.
The data obtained showed that group work is felt to be particularly important, both to teachers and
students. Differences are quite significant when it comes to express how often that methodology is
implemented in the classroom, though. Environmental Studies, Physical Education, and Dramatic
Expression are the subject areas where teachers claim to use this methodology on a more regular
basis. It should also be noted that more than half of the teachers admit they had no training
whatsoever in the field of group work.
The conclusions of this study indicate that a more frequent use of this methodology in primary
education is beneficial, and highlight the clear need to invest in teacher training, namely in a training
plan that focuses on the organization and development of group work in the classroom as a means to
improve pedagogical action.
Description
Keywords
Group work subject areas primary education teachers students
Citation
Publisher
IATED