Learning in Groups: A Handbook for Face-to-Face and Online

In this review of Learning in Groups: A Handbook for Face-to-Face and Online Environments the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, well-updated guide for tutors and trainers who need clear, usable strategies to run effective group learning. Intended for educators who move between classroom and online settings, the book's single biggest reason to buy is its combination of concrete exercises and leadership advice that helps group facilitators shift from being the solo expert to enabling student collaboration and meaning-making.

Key Features

• Comprehensive guidance: The handbook provides step-by-step advice for running groupwork so tutors can develop consistent facilitation habits rather than reverting to lecture.
• Face-to-face and online focus: Exercises and notes are adapted for both physical classrooms and digital environments so techniques transfer across delivery modes.
• Practical exercises: A wide range of activities helps learners practise group skills and allows tutors to embed collaborative routines into courses.
• Leadership development: The text addresses the leadership role in groups, helping tutors learn to manage dynamics and encourage student voice.
• Updated material: This edition has been thoroughly updated with new content on group learning and collaboration to reflect contemporary practice.

Who It's For

Learning in Groups is aimed primarily at tutors, trainers and course designers who regularly use small-group learning or who want to introduce collaborative techniques into their teaching. It suits practitioners in schools, higher education and workplace training who need practical exercises and a handbook they can consult when planning sessions.

Those seeking a theoretical, research-heavy treatise on group dynamics might look elsewhere; this book is strongest as a hands-on manual and therefore best for educators who value applied strategies over extended theory.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, practical exercises that tutors can implement straight away in workshops or classes.
• Useful cross-over advice for both face-to-face and online environments, making it adaptable to blended courses.
• Focus on developing facilitation and leadership skills rather than default lecturing behaviour.

Cons

• Not a deep theoretical volume; readers wanting extensive research literature on group learning may find it concise.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For educators who want a practical, ready-to-use handbook, Learning in Groups is strong value: it translates collaborative theory into workable exercises and gives clear leadership guidance to help tutors shift toward facilitation. It is particularly valuable for those teaching in mixed delivery environments and for trainers who need reliable groupwork routines rather than detailed theoretical exposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for online teaching?
Yes. The book explicitly covers both face-to-face and online environments and includes exercises adapted for digital delivery.

Who will benefit most from this handbook?
Practicing tutors, trainers and course designers who want practical group exercises and facilitation strategies will gain the most.

Does it focus on theory or practice?
The emphasis is on practical guidance and exercises to develop group learning skills, with leadership advice rather than in-depth theoretical analysis.