Structuring Group Work

When setting up collaborative groups, a teacher should...

1. set the context. Explain what the students will do and why they are doing it.
2. establish clear goals for the activity.
3. set high expectations for behavior and task completion.
4. provide verbal and written instructions.
5. have in mind group numbers and group locations.
6. prepare materials before students arrive.
7. decide on who will work together before students arrive.
8. assign group roles (Time Keeper, Writer, Discussion Director, Resource Manager, Volume Controller).
9. visualize in your mind the physical and social environment and communicate that vision to your students.
10. establish group norms

Sample norms:

respect group members
speak with good purpose
work together (cooperate)
help each other learn
use time wisely
listen and value what others say