Development of interactive groups: a service-learning experience in learning communities

Abstract

This paper examines the approach of the Teaching Team and the Management Team to the coordination and organization of work in Interactive Groups (IGs), as a successful educational action implemented in a Learning Community (LC) set up in a school in Andalusia (Spain). Such actions, involving the grouping of students in LCs, seek to enhance the teaching-learning process, improve relationships amongst students, reduce the educational failure rate and alleviate social inequality. The qualitative method used consisted in open-ended interviews. The findings highlighted the fact that pupils learning in IGs achieved better academic results through improved interaction both amongst peers and with volunteers. However, actions of this type may be undermined by a progressive decline in involvement and participation on the part of families and volunteers.  Key words: Learning Communities; Management team; Interactive groups; Early childhood, Education and Primary Education