When Smart Groups Fail

TL;DR: This article investigated how collaborative interactions influence problem-solving outcomes and found that both characteristics of proposals and partner responsiveness were important correlates of the uptake and documentation of correct ideas by the group, whereas less successful groups ignored or rejected correct proposals, whereas more successful groups discussed or accepted them.

Abstract: In this study I investigated how collaborative interactions influence problem-solving outcomes. Conversations of twelve 6th-grade triads were analyzed utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Neither prior achievement of group members nor the generation of correct ideas for solution could account for between-triad differences in problem-solving outcomes. Instead, both characteristics of proposals and partner responsiveness were important correlates of the uptake and documentation of correct ideas by the group. Less successful groups ignored or rejected correct proposals, whereas more successful groups discussed or accepted them. Conversations in less successful groups were relatively incoherent as measured by the extent that proposals for solutions in these groups were connected with preceding discussions. Performance differences observed in triads extended to subsequent problem-solving sessions during which all students solved the same kinds of problems independently. These findings suggest that t...