Small group teaching and learning in psychology

Abstract

Work by Downing and Brown (1997), Pychyl et al. (1999) and Joinson (1998) suggest that when a group product is required, the production of a Web resource for other students to inspect may be especially profitable. This is possibly because work via or around computers is known to be particularly conducive to the generation of ideas (Finholt and Teasley, 1998; Strauss and McGrath, 1994). Looking at computers more generally, it can be concluded from the above that the principles governing their use are probably no different from the principles governing traditional approaches. It is rather that following the principles is sometimes easier, due for example, to reduced tutor dominance, and sometimes more difficult, due for example, to technical challenge or lack of familiarity. However, additional issues such as training, support and access must always be considered when using new technologies.