Comments to: crs@uvm.eduReviewed as of 4/20/98
THIS DOCUMENT WAS PRODUCED BY THE NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
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BUILDING WORKING GROUPS: WHAT SIZE GROUP IS BEST?
An effective workshop design usually involves a mixture of
groupings--large group (plenary) sessions, small groups, and
sometimes pairing and individual work. Each grouping needs to be
used when it is the most efficient way to meet a particular
learning objective; there is also a need for variety and overall
balance of groupings.
> INDIVIDUAL WORK: Good for brief reading periods, recollection of
past experiences, completion of worksheets or response questions
pertaining to individual situations; rest and "recentering."
Except for homework between sessions, individual work is usually
kept to short periods (five or 10 minutes) to take maximum
advantage of the presence of other participants.
> PAIRS: Good for discussions that allow the maximum amount of time
for each person; for problem-solving work in a consultation format;
for establishing a personal contact (especially useful when most
participants don't know each other, and most helpful early in the
workshop); and for sharing personal information which might not be
appropriate to share with the entire group. It's slightly more
efficient to assign partners, but more intimate and usually more
productive if people get to choose someone they'd like to work
with.
> TRIADS: Groups of three deserve special mention. They allow
much of the intimacy of pairs but provide one more source of ideas
for discussions or problem-solving situations. A third person can
serve as process observer of the interaction between the other two
and can give suggestions on how to improve their communication and
cooperation.
> SMALL GROUPS (four to eight people): A group of this size is
small enough to offer a reasonable amount of "air time" and perhaps
a family-like sense of personal concern to its members, yet large
enough that it will probably have several viewpoints on any issue
and one or more high-energy leader types who'll always try to keep
things moving. Also, it may be possible to prepare individuals who
can act as small group leaders when a workshop breaks into this
sized group.
> LARGER GROUPS (nine to 40, approximately): There is less
individual identity except for the vocal minority. Good for
introductory remarks, brief informational statements, reports of
the progress of smaller groups, and some particular activities such
as brainstorming (very fast-paced with many "brainstormers") or
large group simulation games. Large group sessions are very
important at the beginning, end, and perhaps some midpoints to
create a sense that "we're all in this together" and an awareness
of what other groups are doing. While it is important that these
sessions occur, it is also important that they be kept brief.
The smaller formats provide for more active learning and are the
predominant forms in many workshops.
> MASS AUDIENCES (larger than 40): Sometimes unavoidable for
communication of information from one person to many, but should be
used with great care. Occasionally, a very dynamic speaker can
serve to motivate and give direction to a training project.
However, the underlying assumption--that one person is in the know
and the others are not--can undermine the self-confidence and self-
reliance that training is meant to enhance.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98