Small Group Work
Small Group Work is a teaching approach where students are divided into smaller teams (usually 3-6 students) to work together on learning activities. Teachers use this method because it helps students learn from each other, builds social skills, and allows for more personalized attention. It's different from whole-class teaching where one teacher addresses all students at once. This approach is also sometimes called "cooperative learning," "group learning," or "collaborative learning." Small group work is valued by schools because it prepares students for real-world teamwork and helps teachers manage different learning levels within one classroom.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Small Group Work strategies to improve student engagement and participation
Used Small Group Work and Cooperative Learning techniques to raise math scores by 25%
Designed Small Group Work activities for ESL students to enhance language acquisition
Facilitated Collaborative Learning and Small Group Work sessions in science labs
Typical job title: "Teachers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Teachers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Teacher Questions
Q: How do you train other teachers to implement effective small group work strategies?
Expected Answer: An experienced teacher should discuss mentoring approaches, professional development sessions they've led, and specific strategies they've helped other teachers implement. They should mention how they handle common challenges and measure success.
Q: How have you modified small group work for different learning needs?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific examples of adapting group activities for various learning levels, including gifted students, those with learning disabilities, and ESL students. Should mention assessment strategies and success metrics.
Mid-Career Teacher Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to ensure all students participate in small groups?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for assigning roles, monitoring participation, and ensuring equal contribution. Should mention how they handle shy students and dominant personalities.
Q: How do you assess learning during small group work?
Expected Answer: Should discuss both formal and informal assessment methods, including observation techniques, individual check-ins, and group presentation evaluations.
New Teacher Questions
Q: How do you form effective small groups in your classroom?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic grouping strategies like mixing ability levels, considering social dynamics, and rotating groups regularly.
Q: What classroom management techniques do you use during small group work?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic strategies for maintaining order, setting clear expectations, and managing noise levels while groups are working.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic group formation strategies
- Simple activity planning
- Classroom management during group work
- Basic assessment methods
Mid (2-5 years)
- Differentiated group activities
- Complex project management
- Student engagement strategies
- Mixed-ability grouping techniques
Senior (5+ years)
- Mentoring other teachers
- Curriculum development for group work
- Advanced assessment strategies
- Special needs accommodation
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience managing student behavior in groups
- Unable to explain how to form balanced groups
- Lack of strategies for ensuring equal participation
- No knowledge of assessment techniques for group work
