There are many formal roles that can be allocated to members of a group e.g. Task master, Gatekeeper, Praiser, Recorder etc. In the interests of simplicity we will avoid these and list some general social roles that all group members should play whenever appropriate. These are the roles which make co-operation in a group possible.

Some expected behaviors:

1. Everyone contributes and helps.
2. Everyone listens to others with care.
3. Encourage everyone in your group to participate.
4. Praise helpful actions or good ideas.
5. Ask for help if you need it.
6. Check to make sure everyone understands.
7. Stay on-task with your group.

Each individual is responsible for:

1. Trying
2. Asking
3. Helping
4. Courtesy

As a team, they are responsible for:

1. Solving
2. Consulting with other groups if they are confused
3. Helping our group members and other group members (if asked)
4. Working together to achieve tasks and goals

Adapted from: Information on Co-operative Learning: Penn State Commonwealth College - Physical Therapist Assistant Program
http://www.ma.psu.edu/~pt/group/cooplrn.htm

Back to Co-operative Groups MindMap