Group Work

YOUR GOAL: Provide extra support during group work

• At the start and the end of the group work task: Pay attention to the instructor's cues, know when to start and stop, follow the flow of the lesson.

• Keep in the target language (not English) as much as possible.

• Avoid translating for students: Instead, guide them to the textbook vocabulary. Think of this as a dialogue with students where you help them find the information they need to succeed.

• Let the teacher know when students want a long explanation or have a question you can't answer.

During group work

Get up and move around the room. Approach any group that the instructor is not working with.

• Say hi!

• First, observe: Make sure the students understand the instructions. If not, help get them on track by pointing out the correct page, guide them through instructions, clarify if needed, and show them where in the book they can find relevant information or explanations.

• Listen to how they are doing: instead of just saying "Any questions?" immediately, watch and listen to determine if they are doing the exercise correctly or if they need help. If you notice a mistake or misunderstanding, ask a targeted question to nudge the students in the right direction: for example, "Should that be an "io" form or a "tu" form?"

• If they're on the right track: Congratulate them ("That's right!" or "Good job!") in the target language, not English. Then, move on to the next group.

• If a student or group is struggling, show them the tools they need in the course materials. For example, if someone can't find a word, show them where the vocab list is. If they can't conjugate a verb, show them the page in the book with that information. If they don't understand how to perform the task, ask the other student in the group if they can help. If not, try having the students reread the instructions and do the model. If the students are still having trouble, ask the teacher to come over and help.

Not sure what the answer is?  Direct them to the instructor or ask the instructor to come to their group.