10: Pairwork/Groupwork

Best Practice 10: Pairwork/Groupwork

Creating pairs and small groups allow students to speak to each other in English This promotes student talk time and creates realistic situations.

Group Size

Groups larger than 3 members are often ineffectual because when students feel that they are not getting enough chances to speak they switch off, start fidgeting, and get frustrated.

Odd Number /One Student?

If there is an odd number of students the teacher should not pair up the extra student. Instead, make a group of three somewhere. If a group of three is formed, though, make sure to break it up later in the lesson (that way everyone gets an equal chance to speak).

Only in one-on-one classes should the teacher work with the student (see BP6 for suggestions on how to do this effectively).

Forming Groups

While teachers can sometimes allow students to pick their own groups, assigning groups gives the teacher the opportunity to play matchmaker.

DO: Mix the level of group members so that lower-level students can learn from their peers.

DO NOT: Necessarily assign quiet and talkative students together; talkative students tend to dominate the conversation (and the quiet

one is happy to let this happen).

DO: Change the partner assignments often. This provides students with a wide range of conversation partners (of mixed levels) and helps stave off boredom.