The 5 key benefits of learning in groups

If you work in a school or university setting where learning is the key function of that setting, group work benefits everyone. Young children love to learn from each other and often will pay more attention to a peer than the teacher! And in university courses, young adults are from various backgrounds and have many different experiences. Sharing that kind of diversity in university courses is valuable as multiple ways of viewing the world is expected in higher education. Here are the key benefits of learning in groups:

1. Everyone in the group has the opportunity to be heard whereas if learning only is offered from the teacher's podium, many students remain silent.

2. Students can "try out" their voices in smaller groups.

3. Some students will emerge as leaders in a small group setting.

4. Students are exposed to a variety of experiences, beliefs, and values from their peers.

5. Teachers experience their students differently when they see students in small groups.