The power of small: Transforming instruction in small groups
Today’s educators face the ongoing challenge of providing high-quality instruction to increasingly diverse student populations. As classrooms grow more varied in terms of learning needs, language backgrounds, and abilities, teachers must seek effective strategies to ensure that every student receives meaningful, personalized instruction. One such strategy, small group instruction, has gained recognition for its ability to support all learners, especially those with special needs (Hampton, n.d.).
Despite its well-documented benefits, small group instruction is often underutilized. It holds tremendous potential not only to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes but also to serve as a powerful method for delivering specially designed instruction (SDI) in inclusive settings.
What is small group instruction?
Small group instruction is a teaching approach that involves dividing the classroom into smaller groups, or selecting students for a group designed to provide more focused, personalized teaching (Torgerson, 2023). Unlike whole-class instruction, this format allows teachers to target specific skills, differentiate instruction, and respond more effectively to individual learning needs. Effective groupings include readiness-based, mixed-readiness, invitation station, pre-teaching/re-teaching, advanced/grade level and not/partially proficient (Beninghof, 2022).
Benefits of small group instruction:
The advantages of this strategy are wide-ranging and well-supported by research:
- Increased peer collaboration and opportunities for cooperative learning;
- Improved teacher-student relationships through more personalized, meaningful interaction;
- Immediate feedback and on-the-spot assessment, helping guide instructional decisions;
- Reduced anxiety for students who may feel overwhelmed participating in whole-class settings;
- Opportunities for pre-teaching and re-teaching critical concepts;
- Increased opportunities to respond, encouraging active participation; and
- Evidence-based delivery of specially designed instruction for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) (Beninghof, 2022; Torgerson, 2023).
Moving forward
To maximize the benefits of small group instruction, educators must be intentional in its planning and implementation. This includes using data to form groups, setting clear learning goals, and continuously monitoring progress (Dyer, 2023). When used effectively, small group instruction becomes a dynamic tool that not only boosts academic achievement, but also builds confidence, community, and equity in the classroom. Explore the resources listed below to find information and guidance for small group instruction in the new school year.
References
Beninghof, Anne M. (2022). Specially Designed Instruction: Increasing Success for Students with Disabilities, 122-125.
Dyer, K. (2023). How to implement small-group instruction in the classroom. HMH. https://www.hmhco.com/blog/how-to-implement-small-group-instruction-in-the-classroom
Hampton, L. (n.d.). How to modernize and reimagine K-12 small group instruction. Learning Focused. https://learningfocused.com/how-to-modernize-and-reimagine-k-12-small-group-instruction/
Torgerson, D. (2023). The advantages of small group instruction in the classroom. Alludo Learning. https://blog.alludolearning.com/the-advantages-of-small-group-instruction-in-the-classroom
For more information, contact Mary Dodson ([email protected]), Program Specialist, T/TAC at VCU.
Categories Inclusive Practices, Math, Reading