octavia, there are many techniques that can be used but one that I have found useful is to establish a group rating system where the members of the group rate the contributions of the others. Each member is responsible for some part of the group assignment. If other members of the group have to make up for the deficiencies of one of the members then the non-participating member would be rated very low and their grade would result. This helps to teach real life skills in that those that do not contribute to the group may find themselves outside of the group or can even be removed from their positions for lack of performance. Of course this may not apply to all environments but wanted to share one of the techniques that has worked well for me in the past. James Jackson