Today I switched up the groups I had in my Precalculus class and my two Calculus classes. All three classes have kids sitting in groups of 3 (and occasionally 4). They were with their original group members for the first half of the quarter. Now they are getting new group members.
I know this is a little hokey (and I tell them that), but I really want groups to get started on the right foot. I want kids to be thinking about how they interact in groups. I want kids to work at being a good group member.
So I did the following things. After they sat in their new groups, I gave them 20 seconds of silence where they were going to decide the very first thing they were going to say to their new groupmates. Then they went around and said whatever it is they wanted to say.
Then I had them write their names on a notecard. On the front, they were asked to write something they thought was a strength of theirs when working in a group. Some examples:
Good at finding new ways to explain things to people, or simpler ways
I’m pretty articulate and willing to help if someone needs it.
I’m a good listener.
I listen to your answer and compare. I do not think mine is always correct.
Not leaving people being / staying together as a group.
Then on the back, I had students write something they weren’t good at in a group setting, but wanted to work on. Some examples:
Sometimes I don’t ask questions when I might need to.
If I’m stuck I don’t ask for help enough.
If you’re moving too quickly through a problem for me, I typically won’t say anything.
I usually speed ahead.
Then I had kids go around and share what great quality they are going to be able to share with the group, and something they are going to pledge to work on with the group. What was nice is that in those few minutes when they were talking, I saw other people acknowledge and listen. One group noticed that together their strengths and weaknesses worked well together!
I know it’s hokey. I told them I knew it was hokey. But kids shared good things with each other. And maybe it’ll help a few kids be more aware of the others in their group too.
Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere 
It’s not hokey, it’s f**ing awesome! This is making them reflect, listen, and become better students and co-workers! I’m going to do it with my 8th graders when we change seats at the end of the month. Thank you!!!
If I had control of the seats in my classrooms, I’d totally do this (I share all 3 of my classrooms with other teachers…).
We switch up groups a lot, typically every unit. I like this idea. Think I’ll try it out next time!
This is a fabulous idea. I struggle with using groups because of the conflict that can come from it. Thanks for the ideas.