Snapshot

The members emphasized the importance of engaging students in group work, setting clear expectations, and facilitating active participation in group settings. Strategies to support this include: 

• Implementing group contracts to establish and define roles, responsibilities, expectations, and outline conflict resolution methods. 
• Providing class time specifically to complete these group contracts. 
• Establishing clear guidelines for group meetings and tasks. 
• Sharing the inherent value of the work to ensure motivation of all group members. 
• Incorporating insights from educational theorists such as Paulo Freire and Bell Hooks to enhance group work strategies. 

The members explored strategies for understanding and addressing challenges for group work. Some strategies include: 

• Recognizing and mitigating the impact of “residual learning trauma” on student collaboration and group work. 
• Discussing and addressing the varied expectations regarding grades and efforts within groups, while emphasizing the importance of considering each group member’s perspective. 
• Highlighting the importance of mutual support and empathy in diverse group settings. 

The members expanded on these strategies and shared more specifically how they might integrate them into their teaching practice. Some strategies included: 

• Integrating “late bank days” to accommodate unforeseen issues in group dynamics and to promote empathy and understanding among group members. 
• Using peer feedback as a mid-semester temperature check to ensure solid group dynamics. 
• Considering the use of midterm peer evaluations for a more effective peer feedback process.