Methods of Forming Groups
How groups are formed depends significantly on what you want to achieve by using groupwork.
Students self-select
Advantages are that students can choose others they think they can work well with and who have similar timetables to make scheduling meetings easier. Can be difficult if students don't know each other.
Random allocation
For example – taking a number from a box. Students are usually accepting of this method, as they recognise that employers often do not give them a choice of team members either.
Lecturer assigned groups
It may be advantageous to create either heterogenous or homogenous groups.
Diverse groups can be based on age, gender, skills (see Valuing diversity). One method of forming diverse groups with undergraduates is by using mobile questions. With international postgraduate students, diverse groups may be formed from their details provided on an individual form.
Here is an example of a group establishment form.
For the most up-to-date class list from which to form groups, download your Blackboard Gradebook (Instructions on how to download the Blackboard Gradebook).
Criteria for group formation
Groups are formed based on some criteria, such as:
Diversity of students
If you are wanting to develop graduate attributes such as communication across diverse cultures, then facilitating a process to achieve diverse group membership will be important. One method with undergraduates may be to use mobile questions. Another method is to use Belbin team roles.
Skill-set of students
Try to arrange that each group with at least one member with a set of identified skills and competencies. A short questionnaire can ask students to rate their skills in specific areas, which is used to establish groups. For example, some students are excellent at research inquiry while others are good at finishing reports. See Belbin team roles.
Topic selection
Students each rank a list of available topics according to their interest. Groups can be allocated/formed based on the rankings students provide.
Location
It is easier for students to get together with those who live nearby. It can make arranging meetings easier on the weekend as it is a lot easier on the weekend than having to come on-campus for a group meeting.
Grade achievement
Students may prefer to work with peers who share their expectations and workload choices. Some students may be seeking a pass grade, while high achievers may prefer to work in a group with others for whom a credit/distinction grade is important.
Some tips on group formation
Consider what you want groupwork to make possible: is it only about task achievement or also about group processes? What methods of formation will maximise these opportunities?
Students forming their own groups are more likely to take responsibility for the success of the group. They cannot place blame for group dysfunction on being forced to work with others.
If you allow students to form their own groups be sure to give them a few weeks to get to know fellow students in class before forming groups.
Include activities in early classes that give students an opportunity to interact with lots of others in the class. Include opportunities for informal interaction.