Reconceptualizing Interactional Groups: Grouping Schemes for Maximizing Language Learning

While noting the research on the benefits of learner interaction, this article states that more attention needs to be given to strategies for planning successful group work while avoiding the problems that can come with group activities. The author gives guidelines for forming groups, such as how many students to put in each group, whether to use flexible or fixed groupings, and how to divide students (by personal affiliation, oral language ability, personality, L1, and academic interests). Also addressed are guidelines for designing tasks and assigning group roles.