Allocation Of Group Roles

50 templates for improving teaching and learning

Section 4: Effective group work

Allocation of group roles: Teachers’ notes Rationale

In group work the allocation of roles implies that each individual is an important part of the group and helps create a feeling of accountability. This promotes a sense of worth and belonging which is one of the important benefits of cooperative learning. Assigning roles provides explicit expectations and can add to the sense of order in the group work (Fogarty, 2002). It is important to note that in most group situations the allocated role is not the only contribution that the student makes - they are expected to contribute to the general work of the group in addition to their allocated role.

How to use

It is unlikely that all of the roles identified here will be relevant for any one task so teachers need to be selective about the most appropriate roles for a particular activity. In many cases it will be sensible to allocate more than one role to individual students. The allocation of roles may be decided by the teacher or left to the group members (if the teacher is confident that this will lead to appropriate outcomes). In the first instance the teacher can write the names on the form in advance of the lesson.

© Connect Publications 2007

50 templates for improving teaching and learning

Section 4: Effective group work

Allocation of group roles Role

Explanation

Task leader

Responsible for planning the task and allocating responsibilities.

Timekeeper

Makes sure the group are always aware of meeting deadlines and spend a sensible amount of time on each task. Notes key points of discussions and any decisions reached.

Secretary Summariser

Identifies key points and summarises discussions.

Includer

Makes sure everyone in the group has contributed.

Chairperson

Leads discussions and debates, makes sure everyone has the chance to put their views across. Puts forward one view. Does not have to agree with the view personally.

Promoter Opponent

Argues against a view. Does not have to disagree with it personally.

Devil’s advocate

Questions the views that other group members take for granted. Deliberately argumentative. Takes the lead in asking questions to group members or to other groups.

Questioner Presenter

Takes the lead in presenting the group’s work to others.

Researcher

Finds, collects and reports back information.

Statistician

Responsible for numerical and statistical tasks.

IT technician

Takes the lead in using IT applications such as Powerpoint.

Technician

Responsible for collecting and managing IT equipment such as computers and data projectors.

© Connect Publications 2007

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