Managing Groups in Canvas for Large Courses

Groups and Group Work

Creating virtual group spaces using Canvas or otherwise using student groups for collaborative learning and projects can make learning more personalized and interactive (and yes, more rigorous, if approached with care). The use of student groups greatly benefits from intentional planning and transparent communication about what students are meant to learn and how an effective group will work together.

• Reflect on the barriers and challenges of group work in courses; be flexible and ready to help students find solutions.
• Consider best practices for the design of group projects to minimize freeloading and other common problems with group dynamics. Survey students individually throughout the term and ask them to assess their functioning of the group.
• Be aware of tools for facilitating student group work in Canvas and the distinction between Canvas Groups and sections. (CEETE)
• Consider collaborative learning strategies that generate a product for the benefit of the whole class. For example:
  • Student-defined questions to create a bank of quiz or exam questions.
  • A group curation project in Canvas to share knowledge about a particular topic chosen by the group.