OPTIMIZING STUDENT GROUPS WITHIN A PROJECT-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Collaborative learning through student groupsor teams is an effective methodology that enhances both thelearning process and the critical cross-field outcomesrequired of the student. The constitution of groups are oftencarried out in a random fashion or, if given the opportunity,on a friendship or familiarity basis. The establishment ofgroups based on ad hoc methods can result in the diversionfrom the intended learning objectives due to, amongstothers, adverse group dynamics. This paper investigates theconstitution of groups based on individual thinkingpreferences within the context of project-based learningenvironments.

Index Terms - Project-based learning, collaborativelearning, group dynamics, thinking preferences.