Improving Groups Using the Lens of the Overachiever

The potential benefits of collaboration often become overwhelmed with complaints of freeloaders students who do not do their share of the work in the group but get the same grade. However, a survey of gifted students shows that they are likely to take on the bulk of the group’s work, a situation that may not encourage group members to get involved. Guided by the surveys and teacher interviews, classroom teachers organizing group work are encouraged to consider: 1) the size and structure of the assignment given, 2) the assessment of the group members in content, product, and process, and 3) the training of students to work well together.