Effectively Larry K. Michaelsen, University of Oklahoma Small group-based instructional methods can produce a wide variety of positive educational outcomes. Fortunately, by applying three fundamental principles, instructors can create these conditions in the vast majority of learning groups. Further, improperly managed small-group discussions are likely to degenerate into social events in which little if any learning occurs. Both problems can be avoided by holding individuals and groups accountable for their behavior. Individual accountability .
Instructors can use three quite different mechanisms to promote responsible individual behavior.
A second mechanism is using procedures or assignments that cause members to express their point of view during group discussions. For example, some instructors assign one member to make sure that everyone is asked to provide input. The third mechanism is to include peer evaluation in the grading system. Next, groups re-take the same test and turn in their consensus answers for immediate scoring. This process incorporates all three mechanisms for promoting individual accountability.