Dividing a class – especially a large class – into smaller groups might be useful for a variety of reasons. Some of these might include:
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Project groups: Students working together toward a common assignment (usually with a common, or shared, grade)
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Discussion groups: Creating separate discussion areas for smaller groups of students can foster a sense of community and encourage greater participation in discussion forums.
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Tests and quizzes: Instructors may wish to create multiple versions of tests or quizzes for very large classes, to help combat cheating.
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Study groups: Instructors might create a group at the behest of students who request a dedicated discussion area for collaborating.
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Restricting access to material: If the instructor wishes on certain students to have access to materials before/during/after certain dates, these limitations can be put into place with groups.
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A late-submission group: If an instructor authorizes late submission of assignments (because of, for example, family emergencies or military commitments) then those students may be assigned to a group in order to give them access to a specific Dropbox (link to Dropbox).
