Group Dynamics

Step 1: Group Dynamics

Identifying Patterns That Shape Student Talk

Every small group has its own rhythm—shaped by student personalities, group history, and the task at hand. Some patterns help students engage in meaningful mathematical talk, while others quietly hold it back.

In this step, you’ll observe and name common behaviors that often emerge during initial small-group work. These dynamics aren’t inherently productive—but recognizing them is the essential first step toward supporting more effective communication.

Use the Group Dynamics tool, with 10 common group dynamics organized across three different sets of challenges, to identify the dynamics at play in your small groups.

Challenges to Participation in Talk

Learned Helplessness

The group members need you, or a student that typically leads the group, to initiate work on a task. There is either no communication or off-task conversations.

Help-Leave-Silence

You initiate communication about a task between group members. The conversation terminates after you leave the group.

Own Zones

The group members are individually working on a task.

Non-Participatory Student

One or two group members are not partaking in the conversation about a task between the other group members.

Challenges to Momentum of Talk

Obstable

The group members have worked on a task and ask you for help. To respond appropriately, you need to know what work has been done.

Unsuccessful Help

Despite one group member trying to help another, the group member receiving assistance remains confused often not admitting to their remaining questions.