Done without planning and careful thought, it can also lead to inefficient use of teacher and student time. The following information and table is adapted from an Eisenhower National Clearinghouse article. It was written by Carol Damian, ENC Instructional Resources. The teacher is always actively involved in the students' learning process, serving as a resource person, questioner, guide, evaluator, and coach. Learning goals and timelines are clearly understood by the students and monitored by the teacher.
Groups are heterogeneous, and all students are actively involved.
Cooperation is valued over competition. Students have a sense of being able to accomplish more learning together than they can alone. The group process provides a comfort level for discussion and airing questions. Student interaction and social skills are required, but the purpose of grouping is not primarily social. Evaluation can be of the individual student, of the group, or a combination of these.