Abstract:

The pandemic has undeniably accelerated developments in academic teaching. More virtual, digital, and hybrid methods have entered the method mix. As conditions normalize, the so-called "new normal" is now about putting these methods to the test.

Regardless of the pandemic, student group work has long been a very popular didactic method in courses. On the one hand, it activates the participants. On the other hand, the group serves as a catalyst for the motivated elaboration of various contents, such as the discussion of different perspectives on topics. In addition, important social skills for future work in professional teams are taught.

Due to the drastic changes in requirements over the past two years, many established teaching methods have had to be rethought. New digital tools have been used to support appropriate group work during online and hybrid sessions. However, not all of the tools used were adequate substitutes for the group exercises previously conducted in face-to-face settings. Conversely, there were situations and tools in which digital assistants facilitated improved group work. The question arises as to how various virtual, digital, and hybrid group work methods can be used constructively and sustainably in academic teaching in a volatile environment.

Therefore, this paper proceeds as follows: First, a brief overview of the situation in the academic education sector is given. Second, various methods of live and virtual group work that the author has used in recent years are presented. In a third step, their advantages and disadvantages in different teaching situations (face-to-face, digital, hybrid) are discussed. Finally, the group work methods are evaluated with regard to their practical suitability for the next years, and an adaptation of the didactic offer in terms of the "new normal" in academic teaching is made.

Keywords:

Student Group Work, Hybrid Teaching, New Normal, Academic Education.