MR. D'S NOTES ON TEACHING
Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.
COPYRIGHT 2001

Chapter 12

BUZZ GROUPS

A buzz group is a class where you divide into small groups to study or discuss questions or topics.

THE METHOD:

1. Introduce your subject and give preliminary information.

2. Explain what is expected from the groups.

3. Assign groups and topics.

Keep the groups small if you can - 5 maximum if possible.

You can use the same topic for each group or assign different topics. You might want to assign Bible texts for study and draw conclusions at the end.

Give the instructions verbally and have them written out as well so that they can double check them without disturbing other groups.

4. Divide and tell them how much time they have to work.

You might assign a spokesperson if time is limited or allow the group to appoint their own.

Stop the groups when the interest is high if you can. (5-10 minutes.)

5. Allow the time allotted but be sure to stop at the time allotted as well.

6. Gather the groups together and call for reports. Discussion is good if you have time.

7. Conclude with some pertinent application and information.

ADVANTAGES OF THE BUZZ GROUP:

1. You have total involvement (participation and interaction) of the total class.

2. Each student is free to share his or her opinion and/or ideas within the group and also at the end if you have discussion time.

3. You may uncover needs and problems that you can deal with at a later time.

4. It gives the students time to get acquainted. At least enough so that they might talk to one another after class.

5. It can be used in most any size classroom.

6. It helps the students to evaluate, judge and act on information that is given.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE BUZZ GROUP:

1. It takes a lot of time.

2. It will limit your total presentation time for your material. If you have a limited amount of material, this might be a good way to hold your class.

3. Buzz groups tends to get old over time so you would want to use it with other methods.

CONSIDERATIONS:

1. If your class hates one another don't try buzz groups.

2. If you use this method it would be nice if the students had some knowledge of the subject to be discussed. Give them some introductory reading before hand if possible.

3. Some adult groups dislike this method. Some teachers act as though the students are ten years old and assign groups, where to sit, who is spokesperson - then every two minutes - you'd better hurry! NOT GOOD! You need to allow the students freedom to fulfill their appointed task.

Over all this method is quite effective if you have a good subject to share with your students. It involves them with you as well as the information. It is hard to not be paying attention with this method.