The group of three phenomenon: Does it work with computers?

Sir Wilfred Grenfeli College. Corner Brook. ... During the use of our computer-assisted drill program ... "loner3'-type personalities of earlier compu...
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The Group-ot-Three Phenomenon: Does It Work With Computers? Gem Rayner-Canham

Sir Wilfred Grenfeli College Corner Brook. NF, A2H 6P9, Canada During the use of our computer-assisted drill program (14). we received requests from students to be permitted to work in pairs. This h a s to allow them to discuss problemsolving methods with each other. We noted that a three-way interaction seemed to develop hetween the two students and the computer. A similar observation of group work has been made concerning a drill program in biology (15). This threeway interaction brought to mind some previous work that showed students work best in groups of three (16). It is possible that the same principle is working in our case, but with the computer being the third component.

The concept of students working individually a t terminals seems to be generally accepted. Perhaps this is due to the "loner3'-type personalities of earlier computer enthusiasts. The student-nair method warrants further investieation. Not only did seem to promote learning, but it also seemed to overcome the reticence of comauter-nhobic students. who no longer had to face the machine alone.4

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Literature Clted 1. Mmre,J. W.;Brwks.D.W.:Fuller.R.G.:Jensen,D.D. J. Chem.Educ. 1977,54,276. 2. Johnson,K. J;Vm Willia, W.;Seely,O., Jr.; Moore, J. W.J. Chem.Edue.1981.58.177. 3. Aikens.D.A.:Baiiey,R.A.:Giaehino,0.0.:Moore, J.A.:Tomkins,K.P.T.Inregrorod Ezperimenfm Chamisfry: Allyn & Bseon: Boston. 1976;Vol. 2. Chapter 52.

4. Shoemaker, D.; Gsr1and.C. W.; Steinfe1d.J. I.; Nibler, J. W. Experiments inPhysied Chemistry, 4th ed.: MeGrsw-Hill: Near York, 1961: Chapter 8. 5. nanieb,~.: w i ~ l i ~~ .~ ;~B, ~~ ~. ~ ~ ~ , P . ; A I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , RJ.E. .A.:c~~~~~I ExpmimentdPhy8tcal Chemistry. 7thed.:McGrav-Hill: Near York, 1970: Chapter 6. 6. Ref. 3, Chapter 22. 7. Ref. 4. Chanter 7. 6. Ref.5;chapter 4. 9. Ref. 3, Chapter 26. 10. Herbrsndaan. K. F. J. Chem. Edue. 1971,48,706. 11. Ref. 3,Chapter35. 12. Young,J. A,; Zefo,R.J. J. Cham.Educ. 1958.35.146. 13. Lehmao, J. R. J. Chsm. Educ. l985.62(6), 49fA99. 14. bynor-Csnhsm, G. W.: Dickie, W.J. Computers Moth 15. Capri0.M. W.J. Co1l.S~;. Teach. 1985.15.87. 16. Taylor, T. E.J. Coll. Sei. Teach. 1976.5, 320.

A s pointedout by areviewer,there will still be those who preferto work one-on-one with the computer. In fact, it would be interesting to correlate personality type and academic ability with preference for single or pair working.

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Volume 65

Number 4

April 1988

345