One reason group projects are a good thing is because more students means more ideas. Like the saying, “two heads are better than one”, group projects allow people with different thoughts to share with each other. If a student has a special skill or knowledge, they can teach other students about it, and learn from their peers, too. When there is a problem that needs to be fixed, the classmates can brainstorm different solutions that one person might not have thought of on their own. A 2006 study at the Institution of Education at London University assembled over 4,000 students between the age of five and fourteen to work on group projects. They found that in groups, the amount of thoughtful discussion nearly doubled and the students were much more productive. This is true in many classrooms across the country, which is why group projects are useful for all students.
Another benefit of having students work in group is that it prepares them for real-life experiences. When they are older and have a job, they will need to cooperate, communicate, and collaborate in everyday life. This will prepare them for working with others and being exposed to different opinions. Students also can learn to resolve petty arguments rather than running away from them. Working together additionally gives them the opportunity to tackle a variety of projects, some of which would be too big to work on by themselves.
Group collaboration is also valuable because it gives everyone more of a chance to participate.
Bibliography: "Benefit of Group Work." Sydney.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. “Group Processes in the Classroom." Gale Opposing Viewpoints. Encyclopedia of Education, 2002. Web. 1 Feb. 2013. Sarkisian, Ellen. "Working in Groups." Harvard.edu. Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University, 2010. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. Smith, Alexandra. "Group Work Benefits Pupils, Study Finds." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 31 Mar. 2006. Web. 31 Jan. 2013.