Will all group members feel a sense of personal responsibility for success?

Is the activity challenging or complex enough that it requires group work?

Will the objective be furthered by asking students to work in groups?

Will the project require collaboration?

Group size and familiarity.

Knowing that peers are relying on you.

The amount of time provided for each particular task.

Fully explored guidelines and expectations.

through interdependence

by requiring groups to participate in icebreakers

by modeling how students should participate

by continually asking students to reflect on the group work process

Some students may not participate.

Students possess a variety of skill levels.

Teachers might struggle to anticipate and manage group behaviors.

Teachers aren't able to cover as much material.

benefits of collaborative learning

pedagogical (theory and practice of learning) purpose

connection the activities have to larger class themes and learning outcomes

planning and facilitation that were necessary to achieve true collaboration