I've also used jigsaw for groups and I agree with Amy that it works well. All of the literature on cooperative learning would be helpful as well. In short, this advises you to assign distinct responsibilities for each person in a group, and then assess each area for a total group. I give individual and group grades so that the members of the group are expected to deal with each other, work together, and also do their own personal best. Check out http://www.nea.org/tools/32842.htm Joanne From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amy Crouse-Powers Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:28 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: How to Form Groups? Jim, I always try to use a "jigsaw" model for group work. The idea with the jigsaw is that every person in the group is responsible for one part of the puzzle. Each person has to become an "expert" on one area. When you put them all together, they've each dug deeply into their part of the topic and their parts together make a coherent presentation. I quickly googled and found this site that will explain the idea: http://www.jigsaw.org/overview.htm. Amy From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim Greenberg Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:20 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: How to Form Groups? TBers, I would like to put my students into small "groups" this semester to work on a final project. I've done this before with various levels of success. I worry about group compatibility, assessing their work as a group and individually, etc. Can folks on this list tell me what they've done that has worked (and not worked)? How did you form the groups? How do you keep the groups functional? How did you assess the groups work? (and the individuals work)? Thanks. Mr. James B. Greenberg Director Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Milne Library SUNY College at Oneonta Oneonta, New York 13820 blog: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.blogspot.com wiki: The 32nd Square at http://32ndsquare.wikidot.com email: [log in to unmask] phone: 607-436-2701 fax: 607-436-3677 IM: oneontatltc Twitter: greenbjb "Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts forever" P Think before you print! Please consider the environment before printing this email