Learning Teams FAQ
Should I assign the groups or let them self-select?
In general, assign students to groups rather than allowing them to self-select. The group needs to work as a cohesive whole, creating its own culture independently from any alliances that some group members may already have.
What should I be thinking about in terms of size of the group?
Again, that depends on factors particular to your course and your students.
With an increase in group size comes an increase in complexity on several levels. Obviously, there are a greater number of potential interactions, but there is also a complexity of roles that members play and the ways that they interact with one another in the larger group 1.
- Larger groups typically have more non-participants than smaller groups, due to increased competition to “seize the floor.” Reticent members tend to not find a way into the conversation. More talkative members tend to emerge as leaders — due to their ability to hold the floor.
- Smaller groups inhibit overt disagreement and signs of dissatisfaction more than larger groups. Small groups tend to generate pressure to conform within the group. In a six-person group, one nonconformist may emerge to stand alone against the group, while in a twelve-person group, two or more nonconformists are likely to emerge, forming a splinter group or faction.
- Group size affects levels of cooperation. Smaller groups tend to work together more interdependently on tasks, sustain collaborative effort, and be the most cooperative, exhibiting consensus leadership. Larger groups show less cooperative, task effectiveness, and increased conflicts and unmet goals.
- Group members tend to be less satisfied with groups of ten or more. Larger groups tend to obviously deteriorate and cause stress and anxiety in group members. Dominant group members tend to become more aggressive and forceful with members while trying to impose order.
You’re probably still wondering what’s the best size group for your students. Group process researchers tell us that the best size for a group is the smallest size capable of performing the task effectively. Here are some additional points:
- Large groups make consensus difficult, but moderate-sized groups are especially effective if there is little overlap among the members in terms of knowledge and skills and the group task requires that diversity.
- If the goal is speed, groups of three or four are most effective.
- Some research suggests five-member groups are a nice compromise and work fairly well in terms of diversity, speed, ability to reach consensus, and informed decision- making. But even five-member groups can deteriorate, get stalled, or become otherwise unhealthy.
1 Information in this section adapted from J. Dan Rothwell’s In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams, 5th ed. Thomson Wadsworth, 2004.
