Carnegie Mellon University

Eberly Center

Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation

Group projects aren't workingStep 2: Identify Reasons

Identify possible reasons for the problem you have selected.
To find the most effective strategies, select the reason that best describes your situation, keeping in mind there may be multiple relevant reasons.

Group projects aren’t working. 

Structure of assignment does not promote teamwork.

Grading scheme does not promote meaningful teamwork.

Students do not understand your expectations.

Students lack the necessary teamwork skills.

Students have very different knowledge and skills.

Students have preconceptions or misconceptions about group work.

Group composition is problematic.

Individual members of the group are problematic.

Students’ schedules prohibit meeting as frequently as needed.

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