Advantages: There are 6 key advantages to working in a group: this research applies to KS2, 11+, SATs and GCSE level
Are you considering whether to commence with one-to-one or small group tuition? It is important to take time to consider the advantages of small group tuition. From a financial perspective it is also more cost effective to try group tuition in a small focus group for KS2, 11+ or GCSE English, science and maths.
1. Groups have more information than a single individual. Groups have a greater well of resources to tap and more information available because of the variety of backgrounds and experiences. (Oxford University Study, 2016)
2. Groups stimulate creativity. In regard to problem solving, the old adage can be applied that “two heads are better than one.”
3. People remember group discussions better. Group learning fosters learning and comprehension. Students working in small groups have a tendency to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same material is presented in other instructional formats (Barkley, Cross & Major, 2005; Davis, 2015).
4. Decisions that students help make yield greater satisfaction. Research suggests that students who are engaged in group problem solving are more committed to the solution and are better satisfied with their participation in the group than those who were not involved.(Cambridge University, 2017).
5. Students gain a better understanding of themselves. Group work allows people to gain a more accurate picture of how others see them. The feedback that they receive may help them better evaluate their interpersonal behaviour.
6. Team work is highly valued by employers. Well developed interpersonal skills were listed by employers among the top 10 skills sought after in university graduates (Graduate Outlook Survey, 2016).