The Pros and Cons of Group Work

Increasingly, educators see collaborative group activity as an effective way to enhance learning. Collaboration and teamwork are also key life skills, as they are required for success both at work and at home. Opportunities to work collaboratively can offer benefits for all age groups, including adult learners. However, in practice there is often resistance to group workfrom both learners and educators. Why do you think this is so? Can you relate?

Reflect on your own experiences with group work as an adult learner and/or as an educator. Bring to mind your positive experiences and consider what elements and dynamic among group members were present. Next, focus on the negative experiences and what was missing or flawed. Why might such experiences lead to resistance to group work?