Teaching in Small Groups

Abstract

This chapter assumes you have been asked to teach a small group. It also assumes that the group you are to take will meet on more than one occasion and therefore will present you with the opportunity to establish and develop a productive group atmosphere. Small group teaching can be a most rewarding experience. However, to achieve success you will need to plan carefully and to develop skills in group management. You should not fall into the common error of believing that discussion in groups will just happen. Even if it does, it is often directionless, unproductive, unsatisfying and perhaps threatening. To avoid these problems you will need some understanding of how groups work and how to apply a range of small group techniques to achieve the goals you set out to achieve.