Random groups are useful when you want to reduce the influence of friendship circles, seating patterns, or unconscious facilitator choices. A transparent random process also makes it easier to explain why people were placed together.
ShuffleCue starts with one shared roster. You choose who is included, set the number of groups, and generate a result. Group sizes stay as even as possible, and you can name groups or choose a captain before generating them.
When this tool is useful
Classroom activities
Mix students for discussion, peer review, revision, experiments, or project planning without spending lesson time counting people.
Workshops and training
Create fresh combinations for breakouts so that participants hear different perspectives across several rounds.
Meetings
Divide a large meeting into smaller working groups for brainstorming, prioritisation, or problem solving.
Repeated sessions
Keep the same roster saved in the browser and reshuffle it for a new activity without entering every name again.
How to use it well
- 1
Prepare the roster
Paste one name per row or paste a block copied from a spreadsheet. Exclude anyone who is absent so that only active participants are used.
- 2
Choose the number of groups
Start with the number of conversations or work areas you can support. ShuffleCue distributes people as evenly as the roster allows.
- 3
Add optional group details
Turn on group names when labels will make instructions easier. If you choose captains, select one different person for each group before generating.
- 4
Create and review
Generate the groups, check the headcount, and confirm that any access or support needs are respected. Random does not replace facilitator judgement.
- 5
Share the result
Copy, download, print, or present the groups. Use Shuffle again when a new combination is genuinely useful, not simply to chase a preferred outcome.
Good practice
Explain the method
Tell participants that the list is being shuffled and distributed evenly. A short explanation builds trust in the result.
Choose the right group size
Pairs are good for quick participation. Groups of three to five usually give people enough variety without making it easy to stay silent.
Account for real needs
Random grouping should not override accessibility, safeguarding, language support, or a known conflict. Make a considered adjustment when necessary.
Avoid unnecessary personal data
Use first names, initials, or familiar classroom identifiers. The tool does not need legal names, email addresses, or student records.
Questions and answers
What happens when the numbers do not divide evenly?
Some groups receive one extra person. ShuffleCue keeps the difference between group sizes as small as possible.
Can a captain appear in another group?
No. A selected captain is kept in the assigned group and is not duplicated elsewhere.
Can I change the result?
Yes. You can shuffle again or adjust your settings. If you make a manual change, explain it when fairness or transparency matters.
Do names get uploaded?
No. The roster and generated groups are processed in the browser and can be saved locally on that device.