The Effectiveness of Group Dynamics as an Instructional Tool in Teaching History: A Basis for Enhanced Approach in College Teaching

The study investigates the effectiveness of group dynamics such as collaborative strategic reading, jigsaw puzzles, and role-playing as an enhanced approach in teaching social science courses at the college level.

Educational technology advancement in teaching and learning can be an advantage to both teachers and students particularly to college students who would like to explore and discover information from the internet.  This can be faster but less memorable learning and can cause less direct social interaction.

In every organization like in the academe, group dynamics pertains to the nature, formation, and how groups contribute to the behavior and attitude of its members. The process of group interaction will determine their roles, functions, and their efficiency. Group dynamics is an important aspect of organizing the class and can be divided into two; intragroup dynamics which presents interactions within a group and intergroup dynamics which explains the interaction between groups.

Developing good and effective group dynamics for student learning is crucial for teachers. Poor group dynamics can adversely affect students’ academic performance which can lead to negative outcomes on the common goal.

This paper will present group dynamic activities for tertiary students who are taking history courses and can be used as a reference in developing engaging and interactive college teaching approaches.