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Home > Resources > Effective Assessment > Creating Successful Group Assignments > Criteria for Effective Group Assignments

Criteria for Effective Group Assignments

IMPORTANT: The form in which individual and groups choices are represented largely determine the dynamics of class discussions that follow. Both individual reports to groups and group reports to the class should be as absolutely succinct as possible. One word reports are the very best (e.g., yes/no, best/worst, up/down/no change, name the leader, etc.) because they invariably stimulate a discussion of why one choice is better than another.

Prior to Group Discussion:

• Are group members required to use newly acquired concepts to make a specific choice, individually and in writing? (Note: This individual accountability is especially important in newly-formed groups.)

During Discussions within Groups:

• Are groups required to share members' individual choices and agree (i.e,. reach a group consensus) on a specific choice?
• Will the discussion focus on "Why" (and/or "How?")
• Will the groups' choice(s) be represented in a form that enables immediate and direct comparison with other groups?

During Discussion between Groups?

• Are group decisions reported simultaneously?
• Do group "reports" focus attention on the absolutely key issues?
• Are groups given the opportunity to digest and reflect on the entire set of "reports" before being asked to engage in a total class discussion?
• Will the discussion focus on "Why?" (and/or "How?")

(Thanks to Larry Michaelsen for his permission to distribute these criteria.)