Engaging Student Groups

Engaging Student GroupsImplicit Bias

Planning Instruction & Learning Activities (read full series)

What is it?What is it?

Having students engage with collaborative assignments and projects is considered a “high-impact practice,” which means that it is an approach that can support deep learning, significant achievement gains, and positive differential impact on historically underserved student populations (AAC&U, 2022). 

ResearchResearch

Working with others is foundational to many dimensions of learning.  It prepares students for future jobs and studies by cultivating transferable skills such as interpersonal skills (i.e., active listening and effective communication), organizational skills (leading meetings, establishing processes), and individual and group time management (AAC&U, 2018; Finelli et al., 2011). The benefits of students groups are well-documented in the literature, and include the following: exposure to multiple perspectives, increased openness to diversity, increased occupational awareness, increased problem-solving abilities, persistence, and engagement with complex and challenging objectives (Baepler et al., 2016).

DataData

  • + Positive association between how often faculty engage students in cooperative learning and changes to students’ openness to diversity and challenges (Trolian & Parker, 2022; Loes et. al., 2018).

Teaching Strategies

  • Define a clear and specific purpose for group work. This is important because it helps us to make decisions every step of the way – who should be working together, how big the groups should be, how we will assess learning, etc.
  • Determine how groups will be formed. Three of the most common approaches are student-selected groups, random groups, and instructor-selected groups – each with its own advantages.
  • Build a foundation for group work. Before having students dive into a group assignment or activity, consider setting aside some time for them to establish a positive group dynamic (e.g., a group contract). Doing so can help students discuss topics more freely, hold each other accountable, and address conflicts if they arise.

  • Consider how you will monitor and assess student learning. Whether a short-term or longer-term activity, including some formative assessments provides accountability for students and helps you monitor student learning. These might include having each group do a short verbal share-out of what they discussed or asking groups to turn in notes, a graphic organizer, or solutions.

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Students say ...Students Say

  • “My instructor set up group folders in google drive. This really helped our group stay organized and accountable to each other.”
  • “The professor gave us feedback on the group project as we completed stages. This helped us make changes and corrections before submitting the final project.”

Reflection

  • How do intentionally structure your group activities for equity and student success?
  • What formative assessments do you use to monitor student learning? How do you use the results to intervene or reteach?