EdAuthor activity template

A random group allocation template for live classes

Random allocation can widen who works together and reduce time spent negotiating groups. The activity succeeds when the facilitator pairs the allocation with a precise task, a visible time boundary and a clear route back to the full group.

Turn a room of individuals into working groups.

A community group is planning a more welcoming shared space. People contribute an observation, meet in small groups and agree which improvement to explore first.

Illustration of a facilitator helping adults move into small groups in a community workshop, with the actual edauthor group view on a display.

  1. Give the groups a purpose

    Explain the output before assigning groups: one improvement that makes the space easier to use.

    edauthor room screen: What helps you feel welcome in a shared space?

    Signs, seating, a friendly welcome and access give the group practical starting points.

  2. Let the room reorganise

    Create balanced groups from the participants who have joined. Give them a shared question and a clear time limit.

    edauthor room screen: Find your group and compare your observations.

    Everyone has a group and the same starting point. People can concentrate on the task instead of arranging teams.

  3. Reconnect the discussion

    Bring the room back together and compare priorities. Ask groups to explain the need behind their first choice.

    edauthor room screen: Which improvement should we explore first?

    Clear arrival information comes first in this example, followed by accessible seating.

Actual edauthor screens with demonstration responses. Scene artwork is illustrative.

Purpose and outcome

Create working groups quickly without losing clarity about the purpose or output.

Prepare before the session

Set up the activity around one clear purpose and decide how the responses will shape what happens next.

  • Choose an appropriate group size for the task
  • Write one shared prompt with a concrete output
  • Decide how each group will report back

Run the activity

Guide participants through a visible sequence with enough time to think, contribute and learn from the emerging results.

  • Explain the task first
  • Generate groups
  • Share the working prompt
  • Monitor progress
  • Reconnect contributions

Frequently asked questions

What is group allocation?

Group allocation is the process of assigning participants to smaller working groups. Random allocation can save time and widen who works together when the facilitator also provides a clear task and expected output.

Can EdAuthor create groups from current participants?

Yes. Hosts can organise people who have joined the live session into smaller working groups.

What is a useful group size?

Three to five people often supports active discussion, although the right size depends on the task, time and participant needs.

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