random groups of 4Groups of 4

Groups of four: the classroom favorite

Four desks pushed together make a natural table group, and four people can split into two pairs when the task calls for it. This page opens the generator on Make teams of 4. Paste the class list, press the button, and the generator makes as many groups of four as it can, with a group of three or five where the numbers do not fit.

Four cooperative learning roles

• Facilitator. Keeps the group on task and makes sure everyone speaks.
• Recorder. Writes down ideas and the final answer.
• Timekeeper. Watches the clock and warns when time is nearly up.
• Reporter. Shares the group’s work with the class.

With four roles and four people, nobody is a passenger. When a group has five, give the fifth person a materials manager role; when it has three, the facilitator also keeps time.

New seating, fresh conversations

Many teachers reshuffle table groups every few weeks, or at the start of each unit, so students work with most of the class over a term. Paste the list once: it stays saved in this browser, and the next seating plan is a single press of Make teams. Show the result in full screen as students walk in.

Fours beyond school

• Golf scrambles. Charity days often play in groups of four.
• Board game tables. Plenty of games play best with four.
• Hackathons and workshops. Four people cover design, code, research and presentation.

The table below lists the groups for 16 to 32 people. With 26, you get five groups of four and two of three; with 29, six groups of four and one of five.

Smaller tasks may suit groups of 3; if you want a fixed number of groups instead, use 6 teams or 4 teams.