Deciding on a group answer to a question helps ensure that they agree on what components of the material is most important. Motivating students to learn the material. Ensuring that students construct their own knowledge. Summarizing the work of others requires the active construction of knowledge obtained from other members of the group. Providing Formative Feedback.
Students get immediate feedback on their work.
By presenting their work to others, and hearing the work of others on the same topic, students get immediate feedback on their work. They also get some immediate feedback from the instructor as she moves from group to group. The instructor gets feedback on what needs to be covered next. By listening to group discussions, the instructor gets immediate feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the students' current understanding of the material, and can act on this information immediately. By reading group answers, the instructor gets a more detailed, systematic assessment of student knowledge, and can adjust future class meetings accordingly.