Group work often sparks strong opinions—people tend to either love it or hate it. Tools for Success invites you to reflect: Do you love group work, or do you find it challenging? For those who thrive with group work, what makes it effective in your classroom? And for those who struggle, don’t worry—Tools for Success is here to share strategies that can transform your experience.
Cathy Tooley, CEO of Tools for Success, emphasizes the importance of group work as a tool for preparing students for life. “Group work is more than just a classroom activity,” Tooley explains. “It’s an opportunity to teach essential life skills, such as collaboration, communication, and the ability to agree—or agree to disagree.”
Tooley views group work as a foundational experience that goes beyond academics. “If we practiced better group work in schools, perhaps we’d see a more collaborative world today,” she says. Tools for Success is dedicated to helping educators maximize the value of group work with two proven strategies.
Strategy #1: Assign Roles for Everyone
Group work falters when students don’t know their responsibilities. Simply placing students in groups without direction often leads to disengagement or unequal workloads. Tools for Success recommends assigning specific roles to each group member to create purpose and accountability.
Roles like “note-taker,” “time-keeper,” or “presenter” give students a clear understanding of their contributions and ensure active participation. Educators who need inspiration can request a list of role ideas by leaving a comment under this blog with their email. When students know their individual roles, they’re more likely to engage deeply and develop the collaborative skills needed for future success.
Strategy #2: Limit Student Access to the Teacher
One of the biggest challenges in group work is fostering independence. If students can rely on their teacher for constant guidance, they miss the opportunity to solve problems collaboratively. We recommend setting boundaries to encourage self-reliance.
Give Cathy’s innovative classroom management approach a try: using a coin system. Each group receives a set number of coins at the start of the activity. Every time they ask the teacher for help, they must give up a coin. Once the coins are gone, no further assistance is available.
This method encourages students to think critically and collaborate before seeking help. Bonus points can be offered as an incentive for groups that retain their coins, motivating them to solve problems independently.
The Bigger Picture: Why Group Work Matters
We believe that group work is about more than just completing assignments—it’s about preparing students for the collaborative nature of life. By teaching communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, educators equip students with skills that are critical in higher education, the workplace, and beyond.
“When students engage meaningfully in group work, they’re building tools for life,” Tooley says. “It’s an investment in their future success.”
Join the Conversation
Tools for Success invites you to share your thoughts: How do you think group work prepares students for life? Have you tried similar strategies, or do you have your own methods for making group work more effective?
For more helpful tips, advice, and resources for educators, administrators, and caregivers, subscribe to the Tools for Success YouTube channel. Join a community of passionate educators and gain access to strategies designed to inspire learning and growth.