Effective Breakout Rooms

By this point, just about everybody has experienced breakout rooms in Zoom. Whether you find them effective for group work or not may depend on how you set them up and use them during class. In some ways, group work in breakout rooms can be even more effective than on ground. But this may entail some modifications and considerations.

The more structure the better. Give groups very clear instructions, concrete list of tasks, and something to deliver back to the whole class. Many instructors track group progress by setting up cloud documents or slides for students to work on.

The ideal group size may vary depending on your class. It can be more difficult to keep discussions going and getting everyone to participate in breakout rooms so consider making groups a bit larger than usual, 8 to 10.

If you use breakout rooms often, carefully weigh the pros and cons of switching up group members every time. Though you may want all students to meet and exchange views, it takes time for groups to bond and it may get to be a strain on some students. Save time in class by setting up breakout groups ahead of time.

For bigger or longer group projects, consider team dynamics, group roles, and assessment methods. What is the best way to fairly assess group work? As a whole or individually? As a product or process? Should group members rate each other and themselves? This guide helps you consider the advantages and disadvantages of these issues.