As classes become more and more fulfilled, working in small groups is increasingly becoming a solution to help students move forward.

Collaboration is the key to entering the world of tomorrow. According to the theory of Dewey, an American pedagogical philosopher, “the school is a society in miniature that prepares for integration into society”.  Working in groups means helping each other better.

How does collaborative work?

Why have we set up this system, rather than just focusing on individual courses? Starting from a simple observation: in many schools, classes are becoming more numerous. It is not uncommon to exceed 30 students!  “That night the students”, as explained Agnes Perrin-Turenne, Director of Development and Pedagogy at Academy.

There are those in front, those behind. And even if sometimes the layout of the tables allows to trace the students forward, which organizes collaborative work sessions and group projects, this Is not enough. Academy, specialist educational support, has introduced a new type of service there a few years ago: the current small group of five or six students maximum. With one goal: to remind the children in question that they are “all in the same boat,” they are not alone to face some difficulties: The teacher is in a way the captain. His role will be to provide Personalized support but in a dynamic group.

Interacting to learn

Agnes Perrin-Turenne recalls:  It does not do the same in a group of 30 in a group of 6. Here, all children are at the same level and brought to interact with the group, even the timidest or the most refractory. Speaking is easier, far from the universe of a normal class. Why ? Because very often this is the opportunity to ask easier questions that went ‘ dare not ask the school, where teachers are unfortunately less available, and where other children may tend to mock. Result? Group work will come to play a mediating role, which will seek questioning, trust, and exchange. It is a space where the student can regain his confidence, relax, and leave on good foundations, different bases. in a small group, he realizes he is not alone, that there are other students who are at the same level as him and looking for the same thing as him. It feels less isolated “. For it is also true solidarity among students: welded by a common problem, they will work together to overcome the blockage, helping each other to go further. What will serve them much later, in their professional life, to find their place and better know how to work within a team.