How the Group Maker works
The Group Maker splits a list into groups of a size you choose. Open the gear, paste names, set Per group:, then press Shuffle. The tile says how many students are in the list and tells you to click Shuffle to group.
- Click Group Maker in the dock.
- Open the gear. Paste the roster into Names (one per line): and set Per group:.
- Close the gear. The tile shows the count, for example "6 students — click Shuffle to group".
- Press Shuffle and read the groups once.
- Press Save Board if this draw should stay in this browser. Press Shuffle again when you want new partners.
Settings and features
Group size is the setting that changes the draw. Shuffle builds the groups.
| Control | What it does | When to change it |
|---|---|---|
| Names (one per line) | Who is in the draw. | Someone is absent. Delete the line before you shuffle. |
| Per group | How many students land in each group. | The task needs pairs, trios, or fours. |
| Shuffle | Builds the groups from the current list and size. | You are ready to project them. |
Ways to use it in class
Pairs for a protocol
Set Per group to 2. Project the pairs and start the timer. Do not take requests to switch after the list is up. If a pair cannot work, you change it. The class does not negotiate with the tile.
Lab groups of four
Set Per group to 4 and delete absent students first. Leave the list up next to the job cards so groups can see roles without asking you to repeat them.
New partners each day
Press Shuffle again for a new draw. Yesterday's groups are not stored as an account. If you need the same groups tomorrow on this computer, press Save Board and do not shuffle again.
Ready-made boards
Station rotation
Groups plus a timer for the move.
Open this boardScience lab
Lab groups next to the question and the timer.
Open this boardTopic and task organizer
A group maker beside the unit text.
Open this board
When not to use it
- You already assigned strategic groups for a reason (language support, behavior). Do not randomize over that plan.
- You need one speaker. Use Names.
- The roster on the tile is stale. Update it before you draw.
Accessibility and privacy
Read the groups aloud or point to them for students who cannot see the board. Names stay in this browser. There is no class account. Copy link opens the layout on another computer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set the group size?
Open the gear, use the field labeled Per group:, then press Shuffle.
How do I get new groups?
Press Shuffle again. That makes a new draw from the same list.
Can I keep today's groups?
Press Save Board. That keeps the layout in this browser. It does not sync to other devices. Use Copy link for another computer.