Thank you Ray, you’re absolutely right to raise this. It’s all too easy to assume that learners will just get on with group work, but it certainly doesn’t always happen automatically. Taking time to establish clear ground rules regarding respecting different cultures and norms of communication, and consciously creating space for everyone to participate, are integral to effective teamwork.

If we know that some learners would rather avoid presentations, it’s essential that more time is allocated to supporting them and helping them develop their confidence with speaking in public. These are some of the reasons why teamwork is such a powerful driver of accountability, but it’s vital that this is done in an inclusive way.

Also, a great many students avoid presentations and would rather lose marks than present. (You have also discussed this elsewhere, but I feel it needs reiterating.)