Group Projects

Why should Teachers use Group Projects?

There are many reasons why teachers should use group projects. Group projects allow teachers to change up their classroom, meaning unlike everyday where the teacher lectures, the students can be excited for a chance to work with other students. Group work also allows students to synergize with other students. By working together students can now listen to other student's ideas and work together to make well thought out project.


Concerns about Group Projects

Group Projects are a fantastic tool for teachers to use, however if used incorrectly group projects can add unneeded stress to student's work load. As many teachers state there are many concerns that go along with group such as: dominate personalities, lack of time, and lack of communication. In the video below, the video portrays some of the concerns many teachers have.

    Teacher Concerns

Teacher's role in Group Work 

Throughout the project teacher have a significant role, most important before, during, and after the group work.

                     Before

                     During this time period the teacher should be assigned specific roles, stating the                                            exception of each group, how much time the students have to work, and finally what the teacher would like the outcome to look like.

                     During

                     During the group work the teacher should circulating the classroom making sure the  students are working well together and remain on task. If a student is dominating the discussion or not contributing the teacher should step in and work with that group.

                     After

                      In this stage, the teacher should enter a debrief situation. In which the students can reflect on how the group worked.


   The Teacher's Role in Group Work

Student's role in Group Work

As for the student's role, the students should come into the project with an open-mind. Students should enter the group willing to listen and ready to work. The students should also be willing to work with other students and to compromise. A great idea for the teacher is to assign roles to each group. This will allow for an equal split of work, making sure the students work well together.  After the group finished their project, the teacher should also ask for a short reflection paper to conclude. This reflection paper should state what work the student contributed and how he or she felt the group worked together.