Ever seen a job posting that didn't have "must be a team player" under requirements? Yeah, we didn't think so. With such real-life rewards, you'd think teachers would love implementing this strategy in the classroom.

 

Group projects always end in happy group photos. Always.

But, uh, not so much.

The truth is that most teachers avoid group projects due to images of Lord of the Flies flashing through their heads. Sometimes…students be crazy. When teacher's eyes can only be on one group at a time, it is easy for the other groups to sharpen sticks and push Piggy around unnoticed.

Fortunately, there are ways to maintain order without group time becoming an all-out goof-off session. Also, just in case you thought it couldn't be done, group projects can be excellent assessment tools.

You officially have no excuse.

The Why

Because It Fosters Trust

Duh moment. But seriously, if you want kids to work well with each other, they need to know that you trust them. Modeling cooperation and respect is the best way to do that, in case you missed that decade of life.

Because It Teaches Students How to Work Together

Most kids aren't born knowing how to function in collaborative groups. Don't believe us? Watch some kindergarteners on the playground for a while and then come back to read more.

That's why making students practice working in groups is a brilliant way to build adults who aren't loners and misanthropes. Group work models the lifelong skill of what it means to be a part of a team. Which brings us to…

Because It Teaches Valuable Life Lessons

Cue the kumbaya. But really: the one we said before about not being angry cat ladies and snake fellows their whole lives, but also stuff that will help 'em out on a daily basis, in groups and on their own.

For example: it lets kids know that they are valuable and necessary members of the class. It encourages friendliness, constructive feedback, and good listening skills. It helps with cooperation—and Shmoop knows that goes a long way. We could go on, but for now, let's get into how to make it happen.

The How

Tell Students the Why

Tell your students why group work is important. That's right. Just lay it out. School is highly based on personal achievement, so throw kids a bone. Show them that learning to work as a team goes beyond the individual lesson, and will benefit their social lives, classroom work, and careers to infinity and beyond. Sure, they may not get it all at one go, but they'll thank you later.

Because we know you have tons of excess time and money, you could even give a handout to each student that demonstrates the Do's and Don'ts of appropriate group work. Make the kids stare at it for a while. They'll thank you even more for that.

Choose Relevant and Exciting Lessons

If the lesson is boring, the group project will be, too. What you don't want are entire groups of students falling asleep at their desks. (Even if it would mean a nice break for you.) You can keep things relevant by including topics that are important to the students, and you can spice things up by assigning something that's not just an essay or a diorama (though we do love a good diorama).

Give Students Group Jobs

Accountability is a beautiful thing. It's also a motivating thing. Give each member of the group a special job with a cute title. For example:

1. Time Keeper: Keeps an eye on the clock and keeps everyone on pace.
2. Scribe: Writes down notes or assignment information.
3. Materials Manager: Grabs the needed materials for the assignment.
4. The Ideas (Wo)man: Every group has a kid or two who knows their stuff. They'll step up to keep the content flowing.
5. Speaker: If oral presentations are in order, this kid's got it.
6. Peacekeeper: Sometimes ideas and personalities clash. That's okay. The peacekeeper will be there to mediate.

See? Cake. And finally:

Set Clear Expectations

We know you do this for any assignment. But when you've got a whole gaggle of troops out to produce one diorama (or anything but a diorama), you want to make sure they stay on track without having to check up on them every thirty seconds.

After all, those blank stares could mean anything. We know that most kids won't ask if they don't understand instructions, so it is up to you to make your expectations crystal clear from the get go.

The Assessment

Besides the problem of student anarchy, many teachers worry about how to effectively assess the final products. Here goes:

Decide What to Assess

First, you need to decide if you are assessing the final product or the process. Or maybe both. That's the nice thing about being the teacher—it is up to you. Most teachers find that assessing the product and the process separately, and giving a grade together, can be the best indicator of what type of learning went on and how well the group functioned.

Did We Mention Clear Expectations?

Yes, that goes for how you'll be assessing them as well as what they're doing that needs to be assessed. Giving students the rubric before the project is a great idea. Break down points and categories. If you are assessing both process and product, be sure that it's clearly shown on the rubric. Some fancy educators even call their rubrics "collaboration rubrics" (oooo…ahhh…). The specifs are up to you, but the more fuel you give 'em, the better the product they'll turn out.

For more information, head on over to this handy site, which gives extensive information on assigning group projects in the classroom. Pretty much every type of assessment available ever is mentioned, as well as its projected effectiveness. The snazziness of this resource is unmatched.