Group Constructor: Practical Games Based Learning Resource

We often talk about the merits of games based learning (e.g. ‘Developing Communication Skills via Games Based Learning’, tips for use (e.g. ‘Getting Started with Games in the Classroom’, case studies of serious games in action (e.g. ‘Proof of the Pudding Part 2’ and so on.  But, if you plan to use games based learning, there are some foundations that need to be in place.  If you want to use collaborative games based learning, then constructing teams is important.  Group Constructor takes the pressure off this task and allows you to focus on delivery.

Group Constructor is a free program from LangCorr that creates efficient groups.  Intended for teachers, Group Constructor reduces the time needed to construct groups for games based learning activities to an absolute minimum.  Most teachers will appreciate the power of getting groups right, especially with a more lively activity such as games based learning.

Group Constructor allows teachers to construct groups based on 12 parameters, including gender, level, competence and behaviour.  Teachers can also set up their own personalised parameters.  They can also decide if they would like to separate certain students or make others work together.  The program then constructs efficient groups based on the parameters activated by the teacher.  It also saves data about classes, so once students have been submitted to class lists, it takes less than a minute to construct efficient groups.  Students can also be involved in setting up class lists etc. which can encourage them to think about their own working habits and behaviour.

For more information, see the demo below:

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