ABSTRACT
Small group learning is often the most meaningful learning experienced by students and should be utilized in all curricula. It should be characterized by the active participation of all members of the group, involvement of the group towards a communal task (Tiberius, 1999) and time for the group to reflect on its learning (Kolb, 1984). These logistics limit the number of students that can work in a small group, so that its size will depend on the skill of the facilitator and also the group dynamics. The six main advantages of small group learning are explained below: • It enhances a deep approach to learning
Biggs (1999) describes a continuum of learning activities that students can undertake from low-level memorizing, note-taking and recognizing, to increasingly higher levels, which include relating, applying, generation of ideas, theorizing and reflecting. All these types of learning are relevant for all students at different times, but students studying for the professions will need to be continually using the higher learning activities of applying theory to practice and planning complex treatment options to become successful practitioners.
