Models to Consider | Student Group Work

There are a number of models that can be very helpful for organizing student group work. Below are examples of two methods that provide useful strategies and structure to benefit group work activities in any setting.

The Johnson and Johnson model of cooperative learning is very well-known. Cooperative learning is based on grouping students together to attain common learning goals by supporting and promoting each other’s actions. An emphasis is placed on interactive social processes and developing interpersonal communication skills. This model is based on implementing five basic elements that promote collaborative activities:

1. Positive Interdependence: need other group members to complete task
2. Promotive Interactions: helping, encouraging and supporting each other
3. Individual Accountability: each group member has delegated responsibilities and individual performance is assessed
4. Interpersonal & Small Group Skills: applying social and communication skills
5. Group Processing: analysis and improvement of group functioning and performance

Another popular technique for group work is the Jigsaw method. In this model, students are first divided into assorted “focus groups”, which are assigned to develop expertise on one segment of a project or set of materials. After each focus group has prepared information about their assigned subject matter area, the members of these original “expert” focus groups are rearranged into new teams with representatives from other diverse focus groups. Each individual is now expected to teach the members of their new teams the information they learned from their original “expert” focus group. The new teams process this combined information to produce a final project or product. The Jigsaw model creates discrete subject matter responsibilities and a sense of positive interdependence and individual accountability between group members. It also emphasizes the development of peer teaching and teamwork skills.