Viewpoint: A Conceptual Framework for Designing Group Projects

Designing group projects can bewilder the best of instructors. This article provides a framework that invites the reader to explore systematically the design of group projects. The framework focuses on pedagogical purposes for using such projects, what should be evaluated and by whom, and critical factors to consider when designing a group project. It is not meant to be prescriptive but can provoke thought and discussion. The authors conclude with four recurring themes that have emerged from discussions using this framework.