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Group Work

group · work 

/ˈɡro͞op ˌwərk/

Noun 

Group work is a learning experience in which students work together on the same task. Group work can help build a positive and engaging learning community through peer learning and teaching. Promoting peer interactions can positively affect learning experiences by preparing students for work beyond the classroom. 

Using a Large Language Model (LLM) to refine hypotheses

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A robotic hand and a human hand reaching towards the letters AI
Photo Credit

Credit: "© ipopba/ Adobe Stock.” Accessed February 27, 2026.

The following assignment is a group assignment in a graduate level geospatial course.  

Details

This week your team will work through a structured approach to hypothesis refinement using human-centered methods, LLM-centered methods, and human-machine collaboration. By following these steps, you will critically engage with both human reasoning and AI-assisted insights to enhance your understanding of the capstone scenario.  

Using a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Successful Group Projects

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Clipboard with paper that says memorandum of undertanting
Photo Credit

Credit: Memorandum of Understanding by Nick Youngson from pix4free is licensed under CC BY SA 30. Accessed Feb. 28, 2025.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) requires group members to commit to the terms of the MOU and can help prevent conflicts among group members. A good MOU can help define individuals’ roles and expected responsibilities, and it can include a communication plan to identify a schedule and the ways in which group members will communicate (Canvas, Zoom, etc.). Additionally, an MOU can include a code of conduct for the group, which might include the following:  

Utilizing Small Group Projects in Higher Education  

4 students sitting at table talking and writing on paper

Credit: Group of Students Working Together by Andy Barbour is licensed under CC0. Accessed Feb. 28, 2025.

Using small group projects helps students develop skills in the areas of communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are transferable socially and professionally. Small group work can also improve students’ understanding of course material and increase their confidence. Unfortunately, many students dread group projects because of past negative experiences with unclear expectations, unequal participation of group members, and/or lack of support and guidance.

Activity in a Flipped Programming Class

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two students sitting in front of a computer with code on the monitors
Photo Credit

Credit: Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash, Accessed Feb. 16, 2026.

A flipped classroom requires that students engage with course materials before class and then use class time for active learning activities and opportunities for deeper engagement with the content and each other. Begin by introducing students to the flipped classroom model, providing clear expectations, and discussing the roles both they and you will play.  

Teaching a Lab Class in a Flipped Classroom

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three students with lab googles on dissecting a frog
Photo Credit

Credit: Pxhere is licensed under CCO, Accessed Feb. 16, 2026

A flipped classroom requires students to engage with course materials before class and then use class time for active learning activities and opportunities for deeper engagement with the content and each other. Begin by introducing students to the flipped classroom model, providing clear expectations, and discussing the roles both they and you will play.

Before Class – At Home

Instructor