Thematic review of approaches to design group learning activities in higher education: The development of a comprehensive framework

Publication date: Available online 22 January 2016 Source:Educational Research Review Author(s): Miranda de Hei, Jan-Willem Strijbos, Ellen Sjoer, Wilfried Admiraal Group Learning Activities (GLAs) are a key ingredient of course designs in higher education. Various approaches for designing GLAs have been developed, featuring different design components. However, this has not yet resulted in clear guidelines for teachers on how to design GLAs. The purpose of this thematic review is to synthesize insights from various approaches for designing GLAs into one comprehensive framework. This comprehensive framework, the Group Learning Activities Instructional Design (GLAID) framework, includes eight components: (1) interaction, (2) learning objectives and outcomes, (3) assessment, (4) task characteristics, (5) structuring, (6) guidance, (7) group constellation, and (8) facilities. Each component, associated design decisions, and the corresponding design process are described. The GLAID framework aims to guide teachers in higher education in designing, implementing, and evaluating GLAs in their courses.
Source: Educational Research Review - Category: Child Development Source Type: research