Successful group work in middle and high school requires thoughtful design. These strategies help teachers structure collaboration so every student contributes—and learns.

Group work refers to learning experiences in which students work together on the same task. Group work can help build a positive and engaging learning community through peer learning and teaching.

On a recent Saturday, I stared at my group’s ongoing assignment for English class, getting lost in thought and wondering if anyone else in my group would work on it over the weekend. As a high school ...