Description:

Small group work has been a staple of college classes. In a physical classroom, a professor can see everyone by glancing around the room. They can pop in and out of small groups to answer questions, “eavesdrop” on the conversations to ensure understanding, ask questions to increase critical and deep thinking, and redirect groups who are off task, but what happens when the classroom is moved online? Many of the online learning platforms, such as Zoom and Google Meets, have provided breakout room options, but assigning students to these rooms does not ensure that they are meeting the learning goals, collaborating, discussing the content, or attending to the assigned task. Many times professors join the group to be greeted by a sea of initials and silence. When asked if they are working, students say they are “working on a Google Doc” but how can the professor know if this true or if they are browsing TikTok videos or doing homework for another class? How can a professor manage those rooms when they cannot be everywhere at once? How can they increase participation so that when they pop into those rooms they see students’ faces and hear productive conversations? While there is no magic formula, there are some strategies that can increase the likelihood of having higher levels of student engagement. This session will provide an opportunity to hear about some strategies to increase student small group engagement and share some successful strategies that you have employed.

Objective:

To learn new strategies for increasing student engagement in breakout rooms