When planning a long-term group project, what is a crucial step Mrs. Garnett should take to promote successful collaboration?

A crucial step in promoting successful collaboration during a long-term group project is for Mrs. Garnett to have each group draft a work plan with responsibilities. This process empowers students by encouraging them to take ownership of their tasks and contributions to the project. By outlining specific responsibilities, group members can establish clear expectations and deadlines for their individual roles, which fosters accountability and improves the overall organization of the project.

Drafting a work plan also enhances communication within the group, as members must discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences when assigning tasks. This collaboration helps to ensure that all voices are heard and that a diversified set of skills is utilized effectively. As a result, the group can work more cohesively towards common goals, thus increasing the likelihood of project success.

Focus on grading rubrics, random assignments, or limiting group size may not address the collaborative dynamics as effectively as establishing a clear work plan with responsibilities does, potentially leading to misunderstandings or imbalances in workload within the group.