In the first stage of Tuckman's model -- called forming -- the group comes together for the first time. Many group members are uncertain about whether the group will work out. However, some members will try to move the group forward quickly and assume a leadership position. In light of Tuckman's model, teachers are advised to hang back and let the group members get acquainted with each other. Some groups may talk about things unrelated to the class, which some teachers may try to stop. However, socializing gives students an opportunity to become comfortable with each other.
In the second stage, "storming," members often struggle for authority, power and influence. Some group members experience unnecessary conflicts to see how the teacher will respond and may feel that the group will not be successful. The length of the storming stage sometimes depends on how complex and long-term the project is, according to Tuckman.
During Tuckman's third stage, "norming," the group decides what it will stand for and what it seeks to accomplish. The students establish informal rules and start to see the group as real, and even a part of their identity. Tuckman's theory posits that the group can move from this stage back to the storming stage, with conflict and disarray returning.
When the group finally starts to become productive, it has entered into the "performing" stage and develops a more stable structure, according to Tuckman. As a result, the group produces things – such as a video, for example – and the teacher serves as a facilitator, not controlling what the students are doing, but giving them advice and helpful resources.
After the students have completed their work, they enter the final stage, "adjourning," in which the group recognizes what they have done and sometimes feels pride. Tuckman pointed out that they sometimes experience feelings of loss as the group's disbandment becomes imminent. As a result, after the group adjourns, the teacher might debrief the group, summarizing the important points of the assignment so the students understand the lesson they were meant to learn.