Preparing for Group Work

The following pages will help you as you prepare your students to undertake a group project, activity or task:

• Make your Expectations Clear
  Provide context, sell students on the advantages of group work, provide clear instructions and clear connections to learning outcomes and assessment criteria, collaboration vs. cooperation.
• Setting Up Groups
  Students' prior experience in groups, optimal group size, forming groups.
• When Groups First Meet
  Clarifying group purpose, ground rules, responsibilities, meeting guidelines, agendas, challenges.
• Building Group Dynamics
  Ice breakers, what makes a good group.
• Dealing with Uncertainty and Challenge
  Preparing groups for uncertainty, coping with challenges and conflict.