Randomizer by Avi Megiddo is a handy tool built for teachers. Use Google Sheets™ to manage classroom participation, grouping, and fairness in collaborative activities. With just a few clicks, this tool lets you:
Randomize the order of student names
Create random pairs, trios, quartets, or quintets
Prevent students from being grouped together based on prior conflicts or planning constraints ("bad pairings")
Quickly import a setup template with clear instructions
Maintain formatting consistency with pre-set fonts and styles
🎯 Why Use This Tool?
In the middle of a lesson or project, you don’t have time to fiddle with sorting formulas or dragging cells. Whether you need to:
Randomize presentation order
Pair students for peer reviews
Form small groups for cooperative learning
Exclude specific pairings due to social/emotional needs or accommodations
This add-on makes it instant and effortless — right inside Google Sheets™.
💡 Key Features
✅ Randomize Order
Instantly shuffle the list of student names in Column B. Set the number of randomizations in cell A2 to add variability, then click the Randomize Order button.
✅ Make Random Partners
Quickly form pairs from the student list. The tool checks for "bad pairings" (students who shouldn't be grouped together), and reshuffles if needed.
✅ Groups of 3, 4, or 5
Choose the group size you want, and let the tool handle the math and placement. Odd numbers? Leftover students are intelligently distributed into existing groups.
✅ Bad Pairing Exclusions
Add or edit a list of "bad pairings" so that two specific students will not appear in the same group or pair. The tool attempts up to 5 reshuffles to avoid those combinations before notifying you.
✅ Consistent Formatting
All results are pasted in clean, formatted ranges using the Barlow font and 14pt text size, keeping your sheet neat and readable.