Understanding Group Dynamics and Learner Groupings in Adult ELT Contexts

 

Introductory Note to the Reader      This essay emerges from my ongoing commitment to professional growth as an English language teacher in adult and online learning contexts. I continue to develop myself professionally in order to build a stronger and more versatile set of pedagogical tools, tools that allow me to enter my virtual classrooms with greater intentionality and to better support my learners as they work toward their communicative goals in English.      Engaging with the British Council’s TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources course has prompted me to critically revisit many of my established classroom practices. Some of these practices required refinement to address new instructional challenges, while others demanded reconsideration in light of familiar challenges approached from a fresh theoretical perspective. This reflective process has strengthened my understanding of group dynamics, learner interaction, and the social nature of language learning, particularly in adult ELT contexts.      What follows, therefore, is not only an academic discussion grounded in research and theory, but also a practitioner’s reflection shaped by lived classroom experience. It represents an attempt to bridge theory and practice in a way that is both professionally meaningful and pedagogically actionable. Jonathan Acuña Solano

Understanding Group Dynamics and Learner Groupings in Adult ELT Contexts

	Abstract Effective group work is a cornerstone of communicative language teaching, particularly in adult English language teaching (ELT) contexts where learners bring diverse professional experiences and learning expectations into the classroom. This essay examines the role of group dynamics and learner grouping in adult ELT settings through the combined lenses of practitioner reflection, British Council guidance, and established research in applied linguistics and educational psychology. Drawing on insights from the TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources course, the discussion explores how interaction patterns, task design, and stages of group development influence learner engagement, collaboration, and communicative success. Particular attention is given to small group work, mixed-ability grouping, and the relevance of Tuckman’s model of group development for understanding classroom behavior over time. The essay argues that effective group dynamics are not incidental but are the result of intentional planning, explicit expectations, and reflective teaching practice. By valuing learner relationships as pedagogical resources, teachers can foster inclusive, supportive, and communicatively rich learning environments that enhance both learner outcomes and professional growth.	Keywords: Group Dynamics, Learner Grouping, Adult ELT, ELT, British Council, Communicative Language Teaching, CLT, Online Learning
	Resumen El trabajo en grupo eficaz constituye un pilar fundamental de la enseñanza comunicativa de lenguas, especialmente en contextos de enseñanza del inglés a adultos, donde los estudiantes aportan experiencias profesionales diversas y expectativas específicas de aprendizaje. Este ensayo analiza la dinámica de grupos y la organización de los estudiantes en contextos de ELT para adultos, a partir de una reflexión docente, las orientaciones del British Council y aportes teóricos de la lingüística aplicada y la psicología educativa. Basado en el curso TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources, el texto examina cómo los patrones de interacción, el diseño de tareas y las etapas de desarrollo grupal influyen en la participación, la colaboración y el logro de objetivos comunicativos. Se destaca la importancia del trabajo en pequeños grupos, la agrupación de habilidades mixtas y el modelo de desarrollo grupal de Tuckman para interpretar el comportamiento del aula a lo largo del tiempo. El ensayo sostiene que las dinámicas de grupo efectivas son el resultado de una planificación intencional y de una práctica docente reflexiva, orientada a crear entornos de aprendizaje inclusivos y comunicativamente significativos.
	Resumo O trabalho em grupo eficaz é um elemento central do ensino comunicativo de línguas, especialmente em contextos de ensino de inglês para adultos, nos quais os alunos trazem experiências profissionais variadas e expectativas específicas de aprendizagem. Este ensaio analisa a dinâmica de grupos e a organização dos alunos em contextos de ELT para adultos, combinando reflexão docente, orientações do British Council e contribuições teóricas da linguística aplicada e da psicologia educacional. Com base no curso TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources, o texto explora como os padrões de interação, o planejamento de tarefas e os estágios de desenvolvimento grupal influenciam o engajamento, a colaboração e o sucesso comunicativo dos alunos. Destaca-se o papel do trabalho em pequenos grupos, da formação de grupos com níveis variados de proficiência e do modelo de desenvolvimento de grupos de Tuckman para compreender a evolução das relações em sala de aula. O ensaio argumenta que dinâmicas de grupo eficazes resultam de planejamento intencional e de uma prática pedagógica reflexiva, contribuindo para ambientes de aprendizagem inclusivos e comunicativamente produtivos.

Introduction

Effective group work lies at the heart of communicative language teaching, particularly in adult English language teaching (ELT) contexts where learners bring diverse experiences, expectations, and professional identities into the classroom. The British Council’s TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources course (Module 3, Unit 1) emphasizes that successful learning does not rely solely on content delivery, but on how learners interact, collaborate, and construct meaning together. Group dynamics, therefore, become a decisive factor in whether communicative objectives are met. This essay, my 525th post on this edublog, explores the role of group dynamics and learner grouping in adult ELT classrooms, drawing on my own practitioner reflection (Acuña Solano, 2026), British Council guidance, and established research on cooperative learning and group development. It argues that intentional grouping, clear expectations, and an understanding of group development stages significantly enhance learner engagement, autonomy, and communicative success.

Group Dynamics in the Language Classroom

The British Council’s (n.d.) TeachingEnglish platform defines group dynamics as “the relationships between learners in a group and the impact that this has on the way they work.” This definition highlights that learning is inherently social and that interpersonal relationships shape participation patterns, willingness to communicate, and overall classroom atmosphere. Dörnyei and Murphey (2003) similarly argue that group dynamics influence motivation more powerfully than individual traits alone, especially in communicative classrooms.

Reflecting on adult learners, I have noted that group relationships are particularly influential among working professionals, whose “work experiences and expertise…bring great material that is not included in the Keynote textbook” (Acuña Solano, 2026). This observation aligns with sociocultural perspectives on learning, which emphasize that knowledge is co-constructed through interaction and mediated by learners’ lived experiences (Vygotsky, 1978). In adult ELT contexts, these experiences enrich classroom discourse and redefine the teacher’s role as facilitator rather than sole knowledge provider (Acuña Solano, 2026).

The Spirit of the Group and Classroom Atmosphere

An important aspect of effective grouping is what I have come to refer to as the spirit among learners (Acuña Solano, 2026). Reflecting on two distinct groups, A1 learners and working adults, I’ve been observing that despite challenging content, learners demonstrated a positive disposition toward collaboration. A1 learners supported one another in forming questions with the verb to be, while adult learners scaffolded peers who had missed instruction on causative structures (Acuña Solano, 2026).

This spirit reflects what Senior (1995) describes as a defining characteristic of a “good” language class. In his study of experienced ELT teachers, Senior found that teachers valued classes where learners cooperated and formed cohesive groups more highly than classes that were merely quiet or compliant. According to Senior (1995), “a positive whole-group atmosphere” was a stronger indicator of quality than individual achievement. This reinforces the idea that learning effectiveness is closely tied to social cohesion and mutual support.

Small Group Work and Communicative Purpose

Small group work is a central feature of communicative language teaching. Harmer (2015) argues that group work increases learner talking time, lowers affective filters, and creates opportunities for meaningful negotiation of meaning. In my teaching contexts, I have come to confirm this in his practice, noting that group activities in my language classes consist primarily of “communicative tasks: roleplays, sketchpads, etc.” (Acuña Solano, 2026).  Such tasks require learners to co-construct meaning rather than reproduce language mechanically.

Importantly, I have also noted an absence of awkwardness or resistance to group work among my adult learners (Acuña Solano, 2026). I attribute this to learner maturity and a shared understanding that group work equates to increased speaking opportunities. This observation aligns with Johnson and Johnson’s (2009) research on cooperative learning, which emphasizes that when learners understand the purpose of collaboration and perceive it as beneficial, resistance diminishes significantly.

Features of Effective Group Work

The British Council identifies several features of effective group work, including a) good communication, b) participation by all members, c) clear instructions, d) avoidance of conflict, and e) a shared sense of purpose. These features closely mirror my own criteria for successful group interaction: a) willingness to share ideas, b) active listening, c) open-mindedness, d) balanced participation, and e) a clear sense of achievement (Acuña Solano, 2026).

To promote these outcomes, I have consistently adopted a proactive approach by establishing expectations early in the course (Acuña Solano, 2026). I clearly explain that “the rules of the game” for breakout room interactions are introduced on day one and remain accessible throughout the course. This practice reflects Harmer’s (2015) assertion that group work succeeds not because learners are naturally cooperative, but because teachers explicitly teach learners how to work together.

Clear guidelines also help prevent common learner complaints associated with group work, such as unequal participation or interpersonal conflict. When learners understand their roles and the purpose of tasks, group work becomes a structured learning opportunity rather than an improvised activity.

Choosing and Structuring Groups

Decisions about how to group learners significantly affect interaction quality. While the British Council (n.d.) notes that teachers often group learners based on proximity, it also encourages consideration of alternative strategies. In online contexts, I rely on Zoom’s randomization feature, trusting adult learners to adhere to established netiquette and collaborative norms established for the course (Acuña Solano, 2026).

Interestingly, now that I come to think of it, I’m now expressing a preference for mixed-ability grouping, viewing it as a means to “challenge my students to cooperate and come up with a good outcome for the communication task” (Acuña Solano, 2026). This approach is strongly supported by sociocultural theory. Vygotsky’s (1978) concept of the Zone of Proximal Development suggests that learners benefit from interacting with peers who possess slightly higher levels of competence, as such interaction promotes scaffolding and internalization of language forms being studied in class.

Group Development Over Time

One of the most transformative elements of the unit for me and for my teaching practice is the introduction to Tuckman’s (1965) four stages of group development: forming, storming, norming, and performing. These stages describe the natural evolution of groups as they establish structure, experience conflict, negotiate norms, and ultimately function effectively.

The four phases of group development In 1965, Bruce Tuckman first proposed a model of group development with four phases. Forming: Team members are excited to be part of the group. They have high expectations, but they also worry about how they will fit in. There may be lots of questions from team members. The main aim is to create a team with a clear structure, aim and purpose. Storming: Team members become more frustrated with the process. Sometimes this is because of personality conflicts or because there is less progress than expected.Team members may need to rethink their goals or perhaps break tasks into smaller parts. Norming: During this stage of group development, things become calmer as members settle into the group, resolve differences and work together to achieve the goals. Members start feeling part of a team, perhaps developing humour and more connectedness. Performing: The team members work well together, problems are solved and there is more progress. Members are happy with each other, and there is a sense of belonging.   Taken from the British Council’s course at https://open.teachingenglish.org.uk/Team/UserProgrammeDetails/676892

Understanding these stages helps teachers reinterpret classroom difficulties. Rather than viewing conflict or awkwardness as failure, teachers can recognize them as part of the storming phase. As Tuckman (1965) explains, these stages are “necessary and inevitable” for growth. I have come to the conclusion that prior knowledge of these stages might have prevented earlier teaching misjudgments, highlighting the practical value of theoretical frameworks (Acuña Solano, 2026).

In the performing stage, learners demonstrate greater independence, resolve disagreements autonomously, and contribute more confidently. This aligns with the British Council’s assertion that effective group dynamics foster learner independence, interdependence, leadership skills, and appreciation for diversity.

Defining a “Good” Class

For me (Acuña Solano, 2026), a “good” class is not defined solely by high achievement, but by cohesion, equitable participation, and a supportive atmosphere where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. This view of mine echoes contemporary perspectives on growth mindset and affective factors in language learning (Dweck, 2006). A classroom culture that normalizes error and values collaboration creates psychological safety, which is essential for communicative risk-taking.

Conclusion

Through this reflection/essay I have examined group dynamics and learner grouping in adult ELT contexts through the lens of practitioner reflection, British Council guidance, and established research. The evidence suggests that effective group work is not accidental; it is the result of intentional planning, explicit expectations, and an informed understanding of how groups develop over time. By recognizing the social nature of language learning and valuing learner relationships as pedagogical resources, teachers can create classrooms that are not only communicatively effective but also inclusive, supportive, and professionally enriching. As I have shared through my teaching reflections (Acuña Solano, 2026), attention to group dynamics transforms both teaching practice and learner experience, ultimately leading to more meaningful and sustainable language learning.

San José, Costa Rica

Sunday, February 8, 2026

📚 References

Acuña Solano, J. (2026). Reflective notes on group dynamics and learner grouping in adult ELT contexts. Unpublished course reflections.

British Council. (n.d.). TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources. https://open.teachingenglish.org.uk

Dörnyei, Z., & Murphey, T. (2003). Group dynamics in the language classroom. Cambridge University Press.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

Harmer, J. (2015). How to teach English (2nd ed.). Longman.

Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Researcher, 38(5), 365–379.

Senior, R. (1995). The “good” language class. ELT Journal, 49(4), 336–345.

Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

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