About this resource
Group work goes better when everyone has a role. These cards describe six roles, leader, recorder, timekeeper, encourager, checker and reporter, with what each role does and useful phrases, plus a quick group reflection.
Purpose
To structure group work so everyone contributes.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Educators and school support staff. Also relevant for youth workers.
Client or participant group: Primary and secondary students.
Practice setting: Classrooms.
Suggested uses
- Cooperative learning
- Projects
- Teaching collaboration skills
- Inclusive group work
Instructions for practitioners
- Teach and model each role.
- Rotate roles.
- Match roles to students' strengths and goals.
- Reflect on group work regularly.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Read your role card.
- Do your role.
- Reflect as a group.
Accessibility considerations
Add symbols. Allow students to share roles.
Scope and limitations
A classroom resource.
Research basis
School-based social and emotional learning programs improve students' social skills, behaviour and academic results. Clear expectations, explicit teaching of routines and frequent positive feedback are evidence-based classroom practices; adjustments for students with disability are required under the Disability Standards for Education.
- Australian Government. Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x
- Simonsen, B., Fairbanks, S., Briesch, A., Myers, D., & Sugai, G. (2008). Evidence-based practices in classroom management: Considerations for research to practice. Education and Treatment of Children, 31, 351–380. https://doi.org/10.1353/etc.0.0007
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
