How to Make Collaborative Groups Work

Developing Groups

1. Consider group size [+] More 

2. Consider group make up [+] More 

3. Consider group members: How much structure / freedom do they need? [+] More 

Developing Group Assignments

1. Consider the assignment: Does it lend itself as a collaborative group project? How many tasks can you identify? Do roles emerge? [+] More 

2. Consider coordination cost (time it takes group members to coordinate and communicate)

3. Consider available tools (Google docs, Blackboard Groups, Blackboard wiki, etc.)

4. Structure activity to promote individual accountability [+] More 

5. Structure activity to promote positive interdependence [+] More 

6. Be certain to give clear instructions [+] More 

Assessing Group Work

1. Set-up grading scheme that reflects both: individual effort AND group output. [+] More 

2. Use a grading rubric to make expectations explicit.

Anonymous peer assessment