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Tue, 21 Sep 2004 12:07:58 -0500 |
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Hello Everyone ...
I am teaching principles of economics using TBL. Each group has 5 -6
members. Gender was not used as a factor in
determining group membership.
Yesterday a female student came to talk with me and was upset with the
dynamics within her group -- made up of 4 other males and herself. Class
averages, team averages, and unidentified individual scores have been
provided for the two RATS quizzes that have been given so far. This
student did not do very well in the first quiz and apparently the males in
the group shared their scores so that they were able to figure out the
female student's score. This was unfortunate since they then discounted
most of her comments and either ignored her attempts at participation or
patronized her remarks. When results were passed out for the second quiz
(again, no personally identifiable results), the males asked her directly
what score she received. Even though such a question is highly
inappropriate, she felt she had to answer or be totally isolated within the
group.
Obviously, the class score sheets are having exactly the opposite effect of
what was intended -- for this particular group. Instead of providing
useful information and some incentive to improve, the information has been
used against one of the group members.
I think that there may be a different dynamic, a more competitive
environment in male dominated groups and I am wondering if, in the future,
gender should be taken into consideration to provide more of a balance? I
indicated to the student that part of the peer review involved questions
about other team members facilitating learning within the group and that
the behavior of the males in the group was not advancing that goal.
This student does not want to be transferred to a different group. Any
suggestions or comments on how this problem should be addressed?
Thanks.
Dave Moewes
To be enlightened is to be one with all living things.
Zen Master Dogen
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
Albert Einstein
"To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act."
Anatole France (1844 - 1924)
Only the educated are free.
Epictetus (55 AD - 135 AD), Discourses
David S. Moewes
Professor/Economics
Concordia College
Moorhead, Minnesota USA 56562
Telephone: 218 299 3488
FAX: 218 299 4277
http://www.cord.edu/faculty/moewes
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