The Advantage of Diversity in Randomized Collaboration

What if you could boost innovative group work in your classroom just by implementing randomized group creation? This concept offers more diversity within teams which has more benefits than non-diverse teamwork environments. Every individual has something to bring to the table and utilizing each student’s unique background maximizes efficiency in group work. Putting different minds together leads to faster problem solving through the added personal knowledge. Combining diverse backgrounds and experiences will help to boost innovation and creativity throughout the group.

Typically, when choosing groups, students gravitate towards their friends or people that they know. So, to create a diverse group work environment, the groups should be randomized. Working in these diversified groups will often be more effective than working in homogeneous teams. For instance, when working to solve a problem, the differing experiences that some students have from their personal lives can assist the group in solving the problem at hand with greater efficiency. If the group is diverse, it should be easier for students to share their personal life because they are not trying to fit in. With diversity in collaboration, students can share their identity related knowledge and experiences to engage learning for every group member.

Now, just because a team is diverse, does not automatically create an effective collaborative environment, but there are some actions that can assist in making a diverse group successful. For instance, teachers assigning group roles helps to ensure that all students have space to share their specific background knowledge. Designating group leaders, speakers, and scribers allows for students to take turns sharing and embracing their differences. This also decreases the chances of groupthink and negates individuals acting similarly to fit in.

Utilizing diversity in collaboration gives major advantages to learning. Students can gain extensive knowledge from working with others whose backgrounds differ from their own. Introducing students to one another through facilitated group work will maximize proficiency and nurture personal growth for all individuals involved.