Most educators agree that group work can transform the class into supportive learning teams and help students practise problem-solving and communication skills that they will need later. However, planning and organization are necessary for groups to be productive and meaningful.

Group work can be informal with peer-pair interaction in a single class session. This helps to check if students are getting the course content or change the pace of a class. But group work can be more formal with a specific task, such as writiing a report or carrying out a project. They may complete the work in a single class session or over a few weeks.

● <B>Forming groups </B>

Place students in appropriate groups. Keep them small - from five to seven members - to allow discussion and participation. There are several methods of grouping students. Designate the groups yourself; for example, use 1, 2, 3 numbering system. Assess students? relationships and personalities before you assign groups (e.g., placing two friends or two very outgoing students in one group may cause problems.) Reshuffle regularly so that students interact with everyone in the class. Students who stay in one group for too long may become too comfortable and chat rather than complete their tasks.

● <B>The group?s assignment</B>

Explain the assignment clearly and provide a handout. Indicate what specific outcome you expect from the group. For example, groups hand in written answers to questions, groups present an oral summary of theirdiscussion to the class, groups list main arguments on an overhead transparency. Give a time limit for the task. Assign roles (reporter, note taker, timekeeper, and facilitator). Each student should have a role in the completion of the task and the success of the group depends upon everyone doing their part.

● <B>During group work </B>

Circulate among the groups to check progress. This helps you assess if the content is clear to them. Do they have questions? Sit in during group discussions, asking and answering questions, providing direction and clarification, and praising students. Remind them of the time remaining. Check to see if they need more time. Be flexible.

● <B>Post-group work </B>

Bring the class together and ask groups to share their work. Highlight main issues learned from the groups. Provide feedback on both the content and the group process. Reflect on the group work and student learning and incorporate what you have learned into your planning for the next class. The grade for the work can be awarded to the individual or to all members of the group.

Group work, in short, can be very rewarding and exciting for both you and your students if you are prepared to invest yourself in it and motivate them to do the same.

<B>M.-C.L.</B>