Author Description

Intended for practitioners involved in working with groups in basic education, this book provides some ideas on suitable approaches. An introduction addresses where group work takes place and why a group approach is used. A discussion of starting points covers first meetings, planning and preparing, and teaching aids. A description of a group session is intended to show an example of what can be done with a group. The next section offers ideas for group work, including using common interests, using common experiences, functional activities, developing a specific skill, and developing reading and comprehension skills. A section on talking and discussion in groups considers the tutor's role, especially in the side conversation, conflict, coping with silences, and questions. Two methods are then suggested for writing in groups: a group writing day and a problem page. An example is then presented that shows how a tutor could deal with a group that contains students of varying ages, background, and ability. Another example follows group work over several weeks. The final topic is managing the group and covers the group leader, dealing with new students, changing relationships, evaluation, the diary, and problems encountered by group tutors. (YLB)