There is no doubt that group work is the chatty option. Having kids facing other kids is a sure fire bet to start discussion. But if discussion is important to your lesson, then perhaps group work is a great option.
If the group is chatty, check out other options. CLICK HERE for 10 Ways to Keep Chatty Kids on Task.
Group work has the risk of bombing. Kids can become more difficult to bring back on task so have an escape plan if group work looks like it isfailing. (Relief teachers are known to be great pragmatists anyway.) See However, don’t use failure language. Avoid critical comments like, “Well that was a mess – back to rows.” Consider language which is more positive and developmental.
“OK. Now let’s move to the next phase of the lesson. Thank you for moving your chairs quietly back to rows. Now get ready to listen about the next activity.” The most difficult thing in group work, for you as a relief teacher, is that it is protocol to return the room to the condition in which it was found.
Group work is not to be confused with collaborative learning. See Advertisement
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Investigations are powerful