Especially in large groups of students, for example in lectures, it is difficult to get structured feedback on questions.
When questions are put to the entire plenary session, there are often reservations about making a public statement. Even if these are overcome by individuals, only a few students are actively involved in the discourse. A structured approach in which all students are involved and can also exchange knowledge and opinions with each other offers a method known as a growing group.
Firstly, the teacher poses the question to each individual, who thinks about the solution and answer for a few minutes and makes notes if necessary. Two neighbouring students then discuss their thoughts and develop them further together. In a further step, the pairs form larger groups (e.g. 4-6 students). The process can be taken one step further if necessary. At the end of this group discussion, the results of individual or all groups can be presented by one student as a representative.
The teacher is required to steer the process, set clear guidelines for time limits and moderate the consolidation of solutions or opinions.
