4. Tips to get started

Here you have some tips to consider to get started:

:: Make sure that students know each other before creating the groups/teams. If needed allow students to develop rapport and group/team cohesion through icebreakers or team-building activities.

:: Explain the common learning goals and set clear student expectations. Students have to understand the process, i.e., how groups or peer discussion will operate and how their learning will be assessed.

:: Clarify roles and responsibilities. Present or negotiate the activity guidelines and ensure that students know what is expected from them and their achievements will be assessed.

:: Set the ground rules for participation and assessing contributions. Students have to be fully aware that it is very important to be open to each other’s ideas – listening and compromising are key to reach a joint consensus. Self- and peer assessment should always be considered.