Group Process and Trust in Group Discussion

Abstract

Successful group discussion plays a crucial role in online learning. Teachers normally assume that students automatically transfer their learning of group process from group to group. Our experience found that for group discussion to be effective, it is important that we consider group process and the role of trust within groups. The paper begins with an introduction to group process and trust followed by a brief review of the benefits of group discussion for online learning. In section three, we describe the role that teachers play in initiating environments that promote trust and group empowerment. Through our experience of the implications of group process and trust, we will discuss how this environment fosters trusting relationships. We will also discuss the value of reviewing trust in the group process for each class before assigning group work. The paper concludes with the outcomes of our experience and suggestions for further work.