ABSTRACT
Group work can be a frightening concept for some teachers. They may see it as an opportunity for pupils to get out of control, talk off task and generally muck about. If the group task does not really require group work this can be the result. The key test for a group task is that the group has to cooperate: the task must involve a group decision, negotiation or consensus of some kind, and have a real purpose. This may involve exploring, transforming or preparing to present information. It must be real group work if it is to engage the pupils to work together. The group must also be accountable for an outcome. If the task does not involve these skills the group will not truly work as a group.
