Group Formation Recommendation
When forming groups I always pre-select the groups rather than use randon assignment. I start by determining the size group I want and figuring out what the group size will be. I then select someone who I know will be able to provide direction and motivation, a "leader" if you will, but I do not designate anyone in the group to be the "Team Captain" (those dynamics will play out naturally within the groups). I then assign other members in round robin fashion, attempting to balance the groups in terms of academic strength, interest, etc. I likewise make sure that the "problem children" in the class are also dispersed; those with poor attendance, low academic ability, etc. In this way I insure that no good students get punished grade wise by luck of the draw. It also avoids the absolute nightmare that a statistical outlier group of all the best or worst student being in one group would create. In short, I'm looking for groups that can compete on fairly even footing with each other academically as groups, not as individuals. This, in my experience, is much more effective than random assignment, and I've never in 22 years of teaching had anyone question or challenge these assignments in any way.
I like this group formation technique.... I am going to try this next term with our group project. I have always let them pick thier own groups (which has presented some problems in the past), but I'm going to try this next time. Luckily, I am familiar with each students (from previously working with them), so I know the stregths and weaknesses of each student.
I agree and have had several years experience in assigning groups of 4-5 stuednts so that everyone succeeds. however, I notice in non-graded situations like in faculty inservice meetings and some classroom activities, I use random assignment which works very well. I will use the random assignment method in class just to see if the perception by students as well as learning is successful.
