Why do we have groups in school?
468979
When I taught it was a tongue-in-cheek method of assessing a new pupil. There was no need to read through any files that came with them.\nAll that was necessary was to wait a week or two and see who their friends were. The 'method' was unerringly accurate.
421976
Humans are social animals. There are many other animals that can survive by themselves, but humans naturally form groups. Forming a group is beneficial for humans because we have very little natrual defenses against threats; around other humans, there is a better chance of survival. Loneliness is nature's way of saying "being by yourself is detrimental to your chances of surviving."
1186231
Students work cooperatively to solve real-life model problems, and by completing the group activity are also learning the unit skills and content. It encourages additional metacognitive and group work skills that are not usually present in "traditional" instructional methods.\n\nIt is primarily used in classes where students are highly self-motivated to begin with (e.g. advanced public school classes, college classes), because actual attention to the target content is entirely student-driven.\n\nhttp://www.chemeng.mcmaster.ca/pbl/pbl.htm\n\nhttp://www.udel.edu/pbl/\n\nWebsite designed on PBL... also therefore giving an example of how PBL can be used on an individualized basis.\nhttp://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/pbl/
752095
To help children be socially acclimatised to being with people outside the home. There is less hassle on first days at school as children are not as uncomfortable at being away from their parents. Also some people do not stimulate their children mentally enough at home so to have a place that will provide mental stimulation and the opportunity to splash about at a water tray, paint, interact with others, learn to share etc etc is vital for well balanced children.
916088
I buy that.  I teach myself and it is very funny to watch when we have all district meetings.  Each grade teacher behaves the way that their students would.  High school people are very serious and business like.  Elementary school teachers are serious but more touchy feely.  Middle school teachers (like me) screw around and throw things and get off task.
944243
The public schools in my city need smaller classes, the teachers are worn out with all these children in one class and trying to teach and quiet half of them do in order to teach,therefore lots of time gets wasted and only 1/2 the lesson planned for that day gets taught.  Also they need books, the teens in highschool barely have homework because they can't take the books home.....I'll just leave it at there
778197
German schools usually have less choice in subject matter. They get to like choose between, say, for science: Chemistry or Biology. At least, that's how it is in the German town my friends are from. Also, the classes stay with each other throughout the day, like the people in your class and classrooms dont change, the teachers switch rooms instaed of the students.
467405
We all learn in a variety of ways.  Some of us are more visual.  Others do best by listening.  Many of us, and I think our schools sometimes forget this, are best with physical activities.
555885
well it is annoying...but it does have a good purpose...to make sure that we are somewhat aware of ourselves and each other...\n\nso school is necessary...although it is very very very stressful at times...
475887
Yes and no.  When I am learning I sometimes like working in groups.  Getting ideas from classmates can be really helpful.  They help me think more about my own ideas and thoughts.  In addition, working with classmates provides me with a variety of perspectives.  \n\nNow, as far as from a teacher's persective goes, with having children work in groups in your class, I think it is also a good idea but there are a few issues that one must keep in mind.  Group work in class (I am speaking from the point of view of an elementary school teacher) can be very beneficial for students.  First, it can help improve their social competency (how to interact with people in a positive way and work well with others, etc).  Second, children can learn from their fellow classmates.  When they make mistakes their classmates can correct them and that interaction can help children remember more; that experience makes the learning stronger because it grows from an authentic experience.  Along the same lines, group work usually involves hands-on activities which are almost always better for learning because the learning comes from genuine/authentic experiences.  \n\nFinally, there are a few things to keep in mind when having your students engage in group work.  It has been my experience that it is good to have specific jobs for the kids to do.  This makes sure that everyone has something to do and cuts down on discipline and management issues.  Also, if you are going to have group work be sure to include an opportunity to assess how individual students are doing.  Group work often makes it difficult to assess how individual students are doing because smarter kids could compensate for various weaknesses.   \n\nIn short: Group work is great but it should occur in a controlled environment and have a purpose to it!
129019
Well, usually its a group of students that meet after school with the purpose of discussing their mutual interest in science.  Perhaps they will plan a trip to see some science exhibit.  Or, maybe they will conduct some additional experiments with the guidance of their teacher. A science club can really be whatever the members want it to be.  If you have an interest in science, its a good way to learn more than what you might cover in your regular class.
815119
Why? So you and your friends can get on your precious myspace pages while you are suppose to be LEARNING AT SCHOOL??
507668
Uniforms are the answer. If everyone is wearing basically the same clothing it leaves little room for distraction in the classroom. I teach at a Parochial school where uniforms are required. when we have dress=down days (kids choose what to wear) they act totally different.\nUniforms are the answer!
315990
because people have a need for a secure group... groups themselves arent bad, I mean people tend to gather with people of similar intersets.. but they become cliquey when people won't let other people in.
353126
kids can make friends in school.
912541
Why do you need myspace in school? You should be studying.
923767
Pro:\nIn a single-sex class, students aren't trying to impress member of the opposite sex, so they can focus more on learning instead of trying to look cool.\n\nCon:\nIn the "real world" people have to work with the opposite gender all the time, so they should get that practice when they are in school.\n\nPersonally, I think same-sex classes are a great idea in middle school and high school, when kids are teenagers and showing off for your peers becomes more important than being smart and learning.  And many studies have been done showing that single-sex education works - kids learn better.  Perhaps not every class needs to be single-sex.