ON DEMAND: Using StrengthsFinder assessment results to pair students up for more successful and meaningful group work

Abstract

During the first week of class, I assign students the StrengthsFinder assessment in order to determine their top 5 strengths. The first assignment in our class, is an introductory video during which each student introduces themselves and shares what their top 5 strengths are based on their StrengthsFinder assessment results. The second part of this assignment requires students to respond via board post to another student’s introductory video. The purpose of the board post assignment is to for students to find a peer with different strengths than they have. These pairs become partners for the final assignment of the semester. Ultimately, I want to provide an example of how knowing each other’s strengths and working thoughtfully together can provide a more positive and effective group experience.