Faculty Resources
Teaching Resources
General Guidelines for Successful Groupwork
“Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the process. Regardless of the subject matter, students working in small groups tend to learn more of what is taught and retain it longer than when the same content is presented in other instructional formats.
Students who work in collaborative groups also appear more satisfied with their classes.”
Barbara Gross Davis, p.147 in Tools for Teaching |
- Carefully form small groups (max 5 students) before class begins.
Will you have groups of mixed skill levels?
Similar skill levels?
Will you mix low English proficiency students with native speakers of English?
- Assign roles and responsibilities for each group member to build in accountability and interdependency.
- Give clear directions and model the task.
- Communicate clear grading expectations.
- Give groups a task sheet which clearly defines the necessary steps of the process.
- Set ground rules for cooperative learning.
- Facilitate and guide the process by checking in regularly with groups.
- Allow time for groups to present and discuss their findings.
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