Appropriate Group Size for Small-Group Learning / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

We examined appropriate group size and related factors in a small-group learning system conducted in a single department with sociomedical themes. The students were randomly divided into 4-and 6-person groups, and results of evaluations of the students and teaching staff were compared. The results suggest that the smaller the group, the more committed the students are to studying. Furthermore, teaching staff should participate in group discussion to deal with inactive students or to improve group dynamics.