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When students are divided into small groups for small group instruction, they are equally given the opportunity to have nearly one-on-one instruction time with their teacher. This experience gives both students and teachers great benefit. For students, it gives them the ability to work with similarly achieving peers, allows them to build upon skills with close teacher supervision and peer support. These small group instruction times help build self-esteem, confidence, and build upon existing skills. It also gives the teacher an opportunity to work closely with students and record more detailed progress. Small group instruction can be teacher led, or student led and can be used for children of all ages.
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Highly Capable Students
Students who are highly capable sometimes get bored and restless if they are not challenged. These students are also commonly referred to as gifted or high achievers. It is also important to note that these students do not always have higher test scores or capabilities. These students also possess certain qualities such as higher level thinking, creativity, analytical thinking habits, and more.
Students who are highly capable sometimes get bored and restless if they are not challenged. These students are also commonly referred to as gifted or high achievers. It is also important to note that these students do not always have higher test scores or capabilities. These students also possess certain qualities such as higher level thinking, creativity, analytical thinking habits, and more.
In classrooms with many students, it is difficult to cater to each student each and every time they need something different or challenging. This is why some high achieving students become disruptive, bored, or begin to not apply themselves. They need to be challenged and supported. Small group instruction gives teachers the means to take a small group of high achieving students and give them the attention and focus that they need in order to stay engaged and further their achievement.
Benefits for high achievers:
Benefits for high achievers:
- One-on-one opportunities
- Small group instruction can be designed for children to gain independence from the usual classroom routines and expectations
- Group tasks can scaffold prior knowledge for deeper learning
Low Achievers
Low achieving students are often lost in the shuffle of daily tasks in large classrooms. They can also become disruptive, bored, and quickly frustrated. These students may have learning disabilities, unmet needs, or may not be easy to reach with traditional instruction. They need to be supported and assisted, and small group instruction allows this. Small group instruction allows the teacher to give a lesson to a group of homogeneous students and give full attention to focus on the learning outcomes that the children need.
Benefits for low achievers:
Low achieving students are often lost in the shuffle of daily tasks in large classrooms. They can also become disruptive, bored, and quickly frustrated. These students may have learning disabilities, unmet needs, or may not be easy to reach with traditional instruction. They need to be supported and assisted, and small group instruction allows this. Small group instruction allows the teacher to give a lesson to a group of homogeneous students and give full attention to focus on the learning outcomes that the children need.
Benefits for low achievers:
- One-on-one opportunities
- Scaffolding opportunities on the student’s level
- Allows for specific focus
- Can help build confidence in a supported environment
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English as a Second Language Learners
Children who are non-native English speakers can also benefit from small group instruction. Having these students participate in both homogeneous and heterogeneous small groups can benefit them in many ways. Homogeneous groups give the students multiple methods of group feedback, group collaboration and social skill practice. |
Benefits for English as a Second Language Learners:
- Social language practice with students with similar language acquisition levels
- Clear and immediate feedback from the teacher when errors occur
- Explicit instruction and opportunities for clarification