{"id":581,"date":"2024-11-04T09:21:39","date_gmt":"2024-11-04T14:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/?p=581"},"modified":"2025-10-21T10:43:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T14:43:09","slug":"manage-groups-in-brightspace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/2024\/11\/04\/manage-groups-in-brightspace\/","title":{"rendered":"Manage Groups in Brightspace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once groups have been created, you may need to manage group memberships, add or remove groups, adjust settings, and grade group activities. This section will walk you through these key tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#Managing-Group-Enrollments\">Managing Group Enrollments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Adding-Groups-in-course\">Adding Groups<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Deleting-Groups\">Deleting Groups<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Adjusting- Group-Settings\">Adjusting Group Settings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Grading-Group-Activities\">Grading Group Activities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Attention:<\/strong> Students who officially withdraw (W) will still appear in group enrollments. Make sure to check the Groups Enrollment list against your Classlist when enrolling students in Groups.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Managing-Group-Enrollments\">Managing Group Enrollments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To manage group enrollments, whether adding or moving students between groups, follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the course navigation bar, click \u2018<strong>Tools<\/strong>\u2019 and select \u2018<strong>Groups<\/strong>\u2019 from the dropdown menu.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXe_CGsCIboXGo59ZrNgFjHfz0YbEzDFE5GXYnqPKRr_iamBC_3TWDP26DrUmdibD2P2AuTCr41NYi0JDd5JYH2bM2eYtNjJ-WW9diqm_l4-_T2uwmye8Q1MMmgKPq0nDBqtJGrpUVRJJO77a-C-PMOywEti?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the <strong>Manage Groups<\/strong> page, select the group that you\u2019d like to enroll users. On the next page, click <strong>Enroll Users<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdBHJPzBEpFv1ZjWmwbQbg0s-81fGpRm8605XIdUw2Jz9KckELxMJWve-wYHniQcb9tCyNEMWjNhn5CNbXRT-JaQFWt-FlT6zGlO5LwLTn3Upx_H_mDwGJUhx2ONXlIuvfPsqHHfTb1WfbIJgHebSjsCxSq?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the following page, select the students you\u2019d like to enroll in this group by checking the checkbox after their names.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019d like to unenroll students from this group, you can do it by unchecking the checkbox after their names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcmDq6QPrcOrRsH2YjbezQ2Z9_kAAnJ3TLP1mOj6U76dNUOdYiQmI41AoR3JoBIGjo8Oe-vXd_oGskRP9de5Q4LNghzyj-C5CdKvdjYHjJiL_KpugCBjrzO1Ylaeb_JB5_phxdzCCeVXgxTBFEoLIPfoYJl?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After finishing selecting, click <strong>Save <\/strong>to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Adding-Groups-in-course\">Adding Groups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you may need to add groups within a course. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the <strong>Groups <\/strong>tool. From the dropdown menu on the top, choose the group category where you want to add groups.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeehSSS1xFfvQA9e3BntTDtFqibIGp_VmsQKt6ytSzqRaHUOHGWCK_GZfzGCWOvFMMZzm01CNHl4g9k0Q0onOg7BRYF5UEa9-O78ZU2JAB2HjVeCPjYa32w-UMbYwRdivsCHdjOn-v2rDk8Qx4-swsc1jI6?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click into any group under the selected category. On the next page, click <strong>Enroll Users<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdBHJPzBEpFv1ZjWmwbQbg0s-81fGpRm8605XIdUw2Jz9KckELxMJWve-wYHniQcb9tCyNEMWjNhn5CNbXRT-JaQFWt-FlT6zGlO5LwLTn3Upx_H_mDwGJUhx2ONXlIuvfPsqHHfTb1WfbIJgHebSjsCxSq?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the next page, click <strong>Add Groups<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXck-NwKttQidJbeOIfwgclPcRUhZSQ1NSj5V0fA8B20h_grNNvQZqZrfQQJrV-QVSsYVn9Bf-9QnhNeL3hGgNtJHz79ZtjvHfzt8g7bTF7QAAO8PM_5iUUQqjB1UKrAGxRGMZYU_lvYuvfAUBKEPO_ZsJFk?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On the following page, fill in the information that you\u2019d like to give to the new group. Click <strong>Save <\/strong>to proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfvZiHmSuhUb2td3664LtouUxxpXnRwlccpU7lnD-DfknumeoHLSgpHY0WRfUOTm4u68OiMftUl4V68x2RTakyFW0zKxfjuoNkecgW1Lohex27MwFUgAE9L2uY8HHw5CFY0lFBcFaf8wm-wwzBbKxg7nx4?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Deleting-Groups\">Deleting Groups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wish to remove groups, follow the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the <strong>Groups <\/strong>tool. From the dropdown menu on the top, choose the group category where you want to remove groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the checkbox next to the group(s) you wish to remove. Then click <strong>Delete<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcDd3LhXKuWu39ONdhdYqDBKKdVxSgsHq7AxaPNUgMeGL6l1ooIu6YSddXF3MQN4nI5bzhqhrQ92PaKTi8I_erxYcDAJ-Y5g6UQbIbDqL1zcsqL4qp-gtpd1f4D89iq0G2xxU74I-D8JMJlp7KE3PNMR2k?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A pop-up window with confirmation information will show up. Click <strong>Delete Groups<\/strong> to proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXd1Km4uYU-Zl1pprle8apZXXnbDCHs6QOwo2XwHYQk9P742FtqHzVFFLIxs5Hturb47eCdPcsYAmpp0eHEP6XsMik7fLPssJuRdT3xjRHus9ENHFqwzkYbJt0w2UpAseel6UdDifUn8CnirObTX_bSoEfXi?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Adjusting-Group-Settings\">Adjusting Group Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to change settings for your groups, such as changing the group creation type or adjusting restrictions, you can do so by editing the group category:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to the <strong>Groups<\/strong> tool. From the dropdown menu on the top, choose the group category where you want to make adjustments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click the dropdown arrow next to the group category name and select <strong>Edit Category<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeISoQdh4LlAYAykC9MSZOA3BVqSsj4JHIVSNXUhBTI58EwIT6SuIZmQO-DezfOmZUDDm9uAM3mDwBOwJ3tZ5hPjGz70hFwLOxrS79l8OkMAKnsXnAH7Ac6XfWv2NOG08w8Mc1kLBVc3i0Z7kUMYJUmsENV?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From here, you can change the group creation method (e.g., automatic vs. manual enrollment), adjust group size, and set restrictions. Be sure to click <strong>Save<\/strong> to apply any updates to the group settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Grading-Group-Activities\">Grading Group Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have created a group assignment and linked it to a grade item, you can assign the same grade to all group members using the <strong>Assignments<\/strong> tool. If you need to assign different grades to individual group members, you can do so in the <strong>Grades<\/strong> tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assess using the <strong>Assignments<\/strong> tool (to assign all group members the same grade):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From the course navigation bar, select \u2018<strong>Activities<\/strong>\u2019 &gt; \u2018<strong>Assignments<\/strong>\u2019 from the dropdown menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on the title of the group assignment that you\u2019d like to grade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the next page, you will see the group assignments that have been handed in, as well as who handed in what. Click \u201c<strong>Go to Evaluation<\/strong>\u201d to proceed.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"415\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXep__eRd3DQu-uPfcPlTcPi5TKAOYXAY_PVwPJ6zGsiLwtaadhwoJRJMDV3mZZU5WUG1CarW_MlU4-KDK3rP_zMoIFmjQhAo8G6KIeE2LIH1ZR8RMr2oOl2R2Tk__ZjAIGSxFno-rXibORng_a6xI1WF4c?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please note: <\/strong>After you publish your feedback, all group members will receive the same grade and feedback, which can be found in their grade book or Assignments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assess using Grades tool (to assign different grades to each group member):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Please note: <\/strong>This way of grading can lead to confusion for students when you want to assess individual group members differently. While you can assign individual grades in the Grades tool, these changes won\u2019t be reflected in the Assignments tool.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For example, if you initially assign a grade of 7 to the entire group in Assignments and then adjust student A\u2019s grade to a 5 in Grades, student A will see both the 5 and the 7.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid confusion, inform your students that they should check their individual grades in the Grades tool for the most accurate assessment. You can use the Assignments tool to provide written feedback, but assign individual grades through the Grades tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From the course navigation bar, select \u2018<strong>Grades<\/strong>\u2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locate the group assignment item in the gradebook. Click the chevron icon next to the item title and select \u201c<strong>Enter Grades<\/strong>\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXeUcq13sK-ge14usvcZlKC2MbwL8oxnAnKRdvQvdIqs6ml-LYoAzp6pMnvjusofd5pB65jnKdwr9I2Ap05TeIhXbQXDIBF2wRxnEXUUolD0lk0lhP66TjUQnIIyCyHnmdt4gSTn5Ac8x1cs9FHBUuuFXQHi?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the Grade<strong> <\/strong>column, enter the grade in each cell for individual students. Click the pencil icon in each cell under the Feedback column to add feedback for individual students. Please note, that you cannot add an attachment here like you can when using Assignments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXe99EnfallJdwc8jWcBymMytCw0hn7cAcZohT9w8lB8ZhpaILFyvbl_JLkUZUwJO-UC3UQMrpT-mNepLSjKti368UeqJAwEYCpDAfGkRsWoix-2MEm449BQVt_1XaMx8JZE5r8z2-YnW0fzu7iJvOGtYMQ?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After finishing grading individual students, click \u201c<strong>Save and Close<\/strong>\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfUsuKp2pxp_ZF2HNsKvsCrwSsUVrhu_WhSWgyF_xIbsd6gZdTnbZm56FIiQ7x-v0YFuv8Kj3qrXFnG2uR896xs9wLCwDREjP--5cWZOvFINUz_3Fd71FwrVpnVEICo6x8J9syYwNVREwaURQ4QVxgyANWY?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The methods for grading group discussion topics are the same. You can choose one of the following options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assess using the Discussions tool\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Discussions<\/strong>, locate the group topic that you\u2019d like to grade, click the chevron icon next to its title, and select \u201c<strong>Access Topic<\/strong>\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcDN85RKJj0EsOAFiPCIaWPlP4HA2j3iMVbBHpous02rLk8OoZm0KTl2Cze8ObrnqwKos0w2b_fPGTebqPBoiU-5pTWP6RigsNMiUVB3WEklLE1F2AHmGFgiq0KVgE_2GldxxemmgKCT4v95hCwCGPYvOn4?key=3Q0QLIvf5iq7CU1CPd2s3Q\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Assess using the Grades tool\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Follow the steps outlined for assessing assignments using the Grades tool above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Still have questions? Email us at <a href=\"mailto:FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu\">FacultySupport@sps.cuny.edu<\/a>. We&#8217;re here to help!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Once groups have been created, you may need to manage group memberships, add or remove groups, adjust settings, and grade group activities. This section will walk you through these key tasks: Attention: Students who officially withdraw (W) will still appear in group enrollments. Make sure to check the Groups Enrollment list against your Classlist [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"portfolio_post_id":0,"portfolio_citation":"","portfolio_annotation":"","openlab_post_visibility":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-brightspace"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=581"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1111,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/581\/revisions\/1111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/openlab.sps.cuny.edu\/teaching-guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}