Group work
It is common practice in many schools for pupils to work in groups when they are engaged in solving problems. Some schools use groups exclusively, whilst others use them as only one of a number of organisational structures.
In this video you can see brief extracts from interviews with four teachers, explaining how and why they use groups for problem solving. The teachers are Gail Ash from Grange Primary School, Tom Dowman, deputy headteacher of St Mungo’s Academy, Teresa Cairney from St Andrew’s Primary School and Joyce Redpath from Capshard Primary School.
Points to consider
Do you think it is important for teachers to choose groups carefully?
Should the composition of groups remain the same?
| Video 1: Group work in problem solving | |
|---|---|
| Description | Four teachers discuss group work in problem solving |
| Duration | 9 |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: Group work in problem solving |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: Group work in problem solving |
| Transcript | Group work in problem solving |
Ideas and links
- Grange Primary School
Working in groups in P5.
- St Andrew’s Primary School
Examples of group work and group building in P6.
- Capshard Primary School
Group work in P3 and its benefits.