ESTABLISHING GROUP ACTIVITIES:

We know from considerable cooperative learning research that group activities can be structured for effectiveness (Johnson & Johnson, 1998). Key elements to build into any group activity include:

Positive Interdependence. Each student must feel they cannot succeed unless the other students in the group also succeed. Create tasks where each student is responsible for a critical role, and where each role is necessary to complete the task appropriately. Students cannot proceed or succeed without the positive contributions of each team member.

Interaction. Create activities whereby students help one another solve problems, review one another's work, or discuss issues or concepts.

Individual and Group Accountability. Emphasize and assign group grades to encourage team members to help one another learn. At the same time, promote peer evaluations and feedback to help individuals understand their strengths and work to improve their weaknesses.