Exploring the characteristics of small groups within science and English secondary classrooms

Sarah Macquarrie, Christine Howe, James Boyle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Studies of primary education within the UK have shown that small groups can feature within classrooms; however, equivalent research within secondary education remains scarce. Research has established effective group work approaches, yet secondary teachers may encounter difficulties employing approaches tied to parameters embedded within primary education. This problem is compounded as minor adjustments to the conditions surrounding group work are known to have consequences for its efficacy within classrooms. This paper reports naturalistic systematic observation of group work practice within 23 science and English secondary classrooms in Scotland. Pupils completed tasks according to whether they were situated within group work or conventional classes. Forms of dialogue known to be conducive to learning were prevalent whilst pupils worked in groups. The change in pupils¿ behaviours does not appear to stem from the content of teachers¿ talk. Teachers¿ behaviour suggested they approach small groups as smaller structures equivalent to a whole-class set-up.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)527-546
JournalCambridge Journal of Education
Volume42
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2012

Keywords

  • group work
  • secondary classrooms
  • classroom interaction
  • peer interaction
  • teacher education
  • science teaching
  • english teaching
  • psychology
  • education
  • psychology of education
  • classroom groups
  • small group work
  • applied research
  • systematic research
  • cluster analysis
  • quantitative
  • systematic observation
  • classroom observation
  • naturalistic observation
  • teacher behaviour

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