Are you getting started with Group Formation? Below are some sample questions, answers, and group pairing suggestions, which we encourage you to use as inspiration to create more tailored ones for your courses.
Please keep in mind that these questions are provided as examples to spark creativity, and they are not grounded in academic research or evidence. They serve as examples for designing questions that best suit your classroom needs.
Setting up a question
Starting with an empty question card, input your question in the space provided below. Please adjust the settings per question card: Multiple answers can be selected, and Group students based on answering this question.
Remember, each question card will include a Skip button by default, giving students the option not to answer.
Find more information about setting up Group Formation here.
Inspiration questions
Availability and deadlines
Question: What days of the week are you most available for group meetings?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer: days of the week
Question: Do you prefer morning, afternoon, or evening meetings?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer: times of the day or timeframes
Question: Which of these statements describes better your approach to deadlines?
Setting: group similarly
Answer:
I thrive working under pressure, and I’m comfortable working until the last minute before the deadline
I like working ahead of time, early preparation and delivery is important to me
I like working with enough time until the deadline so we can review before submitting, but not necessarily too early in advance
...
Communication and Working Environment
Question: Do you prefer asynchronous communication, or real-time interactions?
Setting: group similarly
Answer:
asynchronous communication
real-time interactions
Question: What communication channels do you prefer for group discussions?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
email
chat
video conferencing
...
Question: What are your preferences regarding where group meetings should take place?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
online
in-person
hybrid
Question: Are there any specific environments that help you focus and be productive during group work?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
library
home
café
co-working space
...
Skills and Collaboration
Question: What skills and strengths would you bring to your team?
Setting: group dissimilarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
efficiency
structured planning
detailed note-taking
data-oriented
writing skills
presentation skills
keen eye for visuals and design
positive attitude
...
Question: What role do you typically take on in group projects?
Setting: group dissimilarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
leader
mediator
idea generator
executor
researcher
data analyst
...
Question: How do you prefer to divide the workload in a group project?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
By task type: Each team member has a task, such as research, writing, analyzing data, creating visuals, presentation tasks...
By project section: Each team member has a part of the project, such as Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion...
By interest: Let team members choose topics or roles they're passionate about.
By department: Each team member handles tasks related to their field or study (e.g., science, humanities).
Hybrid approach: Use a combination of the above based on project needs and dynamics. If necessary, rotate roles and responsibilities.
Learning Goals and Expectations
Question: What are your goals for this project/course?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
obtaining honors/special mention
obtaining an A
obtaining a B
just passing the course
…
Question: What do you hope to gain from collaborating with your teammates?
Setting: group similarly, multiple answers can be selected
Answer:
learn skills from my peers
learn about the subject
network
have a good time
just passing the project/course
...