Which technique is most effective for fostering collaboration among students during group projects?

Encouraging students to set joint goals is a highly effective technique for fostering collaboration during group projects because it promotes a shared sense of purpose and accountability among group members. When students work together to establish common objectives, they are more likely to engage with one another and develop strategies that require communication and teamwork. This process also allows students to discuss their individual strengths and contributions, leading to a more cohesive group dynamic.

By setting joint goals, students learn to negotiate and compromise, enhancing their collaborative skills. This approach also reinforces the idea that success relies on the collective effort of the group rather than just individual accomplishments. As a result, students become more invested in the group's success, leading to improved collaboration and outcomes for the project.

Other options, while they may have their merits, do not emphasize the collective focus that joint goal-setting encourages. Assigning specific parts of a project can lead to students working in isolation rather than collaborating. Creating mixed-ability groups might provide diversity in skills, but without shared goals, the collaboration may not be as effective. Implementing peer review processes can enhance learning; however, it may not directly foster collaboration as much as establishing common goals would.