When it comes to group projects, some students get excited to work with classmates, while others dread it.
Many educators say group projects teach kids valuable life skills. They can learn how to consider different opinions, make compromises, and divide work to get the job done.
“Doing group work prepares students for future careers, which will most likely include working with others,” says Keri Simacek. She’s a fifth-grade teacher in Wisconsin.
But some teachers avoid assigning group projects. They say group work can be stressful for students who are more comfortable working alone. They also point out that group projects don’t always involve true teamwork.
“One or two students often end up taking on the bulk of the responsibility,” says Leeana Cruz Moran. She’s a fifth-grade teacher in New Jersey. In those cases, she says, it wouldn’t be fair for everyone to get the same grade.