Size

What you want to achieve through groupwork determines the size of the group. Thus the appropriate size of groups depends on the context: number of students in the class, the amount of work in the set task, resources available and especially the specific learning outcomes.

Groups of 3-5 are often the best.  They balance the pros and cons of small and large groups listed below.

Small Groups

Pros	Cons
Each member has the opportunity to contribute more Fewer social skills are needed It is easier for students to coordinate group meetings It is easier to reach consensus Quiet students feel more comfortable participating Reduced chance of free-riding, compared to larger groups	Greater impact from the loss of a group member Limited pool of expertise compared to larger groups More assignments to mark compared to use of larger group size

Larger groups

Pros	Cons
More ideas are generated Members contribute a wider range of perspectives and background knowledge More complex and sizeable tasks can be addressed	The bigger the group the greater the opportunity for free-riders and loafers There are fewer groups in the class, therefore more time can be devoted to each group’s work during marking Student presentations are less likely to be repetitive for members of a class and teacher

Specific group sizes

Pairs

• Good for small scale tasks, where students know each other well and where a stronger student can help a weaker one. 
• Difficulties arise when one student is absent, lazy or domineering. 
• It is unwise to use the same pairs for long-term tasks.

Threes

• Communication is easy.
• Work can often be shared out in manageable ways. 
• It can be difficult if two gang up on one.
• The group is fairly vulnerable if one member leaves or doesn’t take responsibility.

Fours

• Good critical mass for sharing larger projects.
• Opportunities for delegation and collaboration. 
• Students with different abilities and qualities can play their strengths, giving every member a chance to contribute something and feel valued. 
• Fours do tend to break into two pairs and tensions can arise.

Fives

• Have many advantages of fours. 
• There are sufficient people to provide a range of perspectives.
• The group is not of unmanageable proportions. 
• A determined slacker is able to hide, unless suitable precautions are taken.

Sixes and sevens

• Workable as groups.
• The larger the group the greater the possibility of free-riders and shy violets being overshadowed. 
• This size is only viable if a really substantial task is undertaken, and considerable support and advice is provided.

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