Case
"Clicks"

As a teacher in an ESOL classroom, you see that your students are growing into small groups, or "clicks", based on their nationality. While they do share similarities, and find comfort in sharing those, it has turned into more. When trying to do group work, the students refuse to group together outside of their clicks, and arguments are beginning to stem between the two groups. How do you handle this?

Posted on: 04/18/13 | Views: 1370
Solution #1
Top Solution
I feel like this would be a good time to hold a class discussion about tolerance, diversity, and a general sense of community. I would have students share out various ideas on what they feel a good classroom environment should be like. Then I would ask them if they felt that their classroom had that type of environment. I also think that as the teacher I would place students in groups myself being sure that each cooperative learning group has diversity. I would stress to my students that not supporting each other is just not an option.

Great suggestion! I like this solution very much.

I think teaching a lesson on tolerance, diversity, and community and putting the students into groups that would break up the cliques are both great ideas.

Great solution! Expressing differences always enlightens everyone.

If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.

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Solution #2
I would try to have them branch out to other groups and teach them about diversity and tolerance. If arguments occur have the students talk them out to see why they disagree or why they are upset. This exercise can really bring the classroom together and be a good learning experience for the students.
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Solution #3
Have a sit down with the two groups and have them discuss their similarities and differences to help bring the issues to the light. Find ways to connect them, have them discuss things they like, sports, cartoons, etc. and eventually, they will realize they have more in common than they allowed themselves to realize.
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Solution #4
I would first try to get some suggestions from other ESOL Teachers and school psychologist and guidance counselors. The next thing to try would be some lessons on diversity. It sounds like the obvious thing to try to do is not working, which is to divide them into groups and force them to work together.
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Solution #5
I would suggest possibly allowing the students to sit close to their "clicks" but in group time have them separate into other groups.

I would never do this! This is wrong! Clicks are unacceptable and need to be broken up.

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