Method for the formation of collaborative groups using lexical availability

Abstract

A method of automatic formation of collaborative groups that uses the lexical availability tests to select the group members is proposed. The method is based on the comparison of lexicons and lexical availability analyses approaches using a sample of 394 students. The evaluation of the suggested method was carried out through a case study with 18 students in a collaborative activity. The results show that in higher-complex activities the groups assigned through the suggested method spend less time to answer and generate more synthetic responses and, therefore, of better quality. It can be concluded that it is feasible to make collaborative groups based on the quantification of the levels of interaction and communication reflected in the characteristics of the group members' lexical availability.