What defines heterogeneous groups in a classroom?

Heterogeneous groups in a classroom are defined by their diversity, meaning they consist of students with varying abilities, backgrounds, learning styles, and interests. This diversity can enhance the learning experience, as students are exposed to different perspectives and ways of thinking. In heterogeneous groups, students can collaborate, share their unique strengths, and support one another in areas where they may struggle, leading to a richer classroom environment.

In contrast, groups composed of students with similar abilities focus on uniformity, which can limit the range of experiences and insights shared within the group. Similarly, groups formed based on student interest may not capture the broad spectrum of abilities and backgrounds essential to achieving the benefits of heterogeneous collaboration. Lastly, forming groups that perform at the same level tends to create a more homogeneous learning experience, which can prevent students from gaining insights and skills they might otherwise obtain through interaction with peers who think differently or work at varying levels of proficiency.