Grouping students for different communicative

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GROUPING STUDENTS FOR DIFFERENT COMMUNICATIVE
ACTIVITIES - ADI ISMA – [e-mail]
1
INTRODUCTION
Sidin (1993: 56) stated groups are more than collections of individuals and are
formed because members need to get something done or to produce something using
knowledge and skills. A specific purpose of group work is to provide students with
the knowledge and understanding of subject matter, while at the same time focusing
more on group dynamics where students are given direct experience to behave and
react in a group situation. In addition, group activity enables students to acquire
relevant skills of communication, skills of discussion and argument, skills of
interactive learning and cooperative inquiry and to develop appropriate attitudes to
learning and teaching.
Nowadays, cooperative learning is actually a generic term that refers to
numerous methods for grouping students. Therefore, cooperative learning as a strategy
requires a closer look to take advantage of potential benefits for learners. Cooperative
learning applies many techniques such as, jigsaw, mind mapping, debate, role playing,
etc. These techniques can make the students enjoy in learning process because not
only learn the materials but also play to avoid boring, these techniques can be done in
pairs and also in groups. Effective cooperative learning occurs when students work
together to accomplish shared goals and when positive structures are in place to
support that process (Johnson, 1999: 32).
There are some advantages of grouping students. They are; it provides the
opportunity for peer interpretation and sharing of experiences and insights, it can
assist the practice and feedback that must accompany a teacher’s teaching, and it can
provide peer coaching as well as peer motivation (Freiberg & Driscoll, 1992: 78).
When students work in small groups to practice a skill, they can coach each other’s
learning and provide feedback.
The writer assumes teaching and learning activities are better accomplished
through group work than individual work. So, based on the explanation above, the
writer is interested to write a paper on “Grouping students for different
communicative activities”.

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