Teachers should encourage their students to work in groups when possible. You can assign students to study groups or case studies or have them form their own groups. What is the rational for having student collaborate?
Group Problem Solving is Better than Individual Problem Solving
- This allows for more solutions (Two heads are better than one.)
- Allows students to take leadership roles.
- Allows students to collaborate and learn to work in groups.
- Allows for a greater diversification of skill, and in the process, creativity.
- Students come to a more complete understanding by explaining their ideas to their peers.
- Students with better skills can serve as models.
Tools to use
Course content management communication tools such as email and group chat and discussion lists.
Online tools such as Dropbox, Google Docs and Hangouts, Slack, Trello, Skype, Popplet, Groupmaker, ePals, Classcraft and Genius.
