Groups can be used in several different areas in Canvas. Groups are commonly used for breaking up a larger discussion into smaller groups. For example, a class of 35 students can be broken up into 5 groups of 7 so they can have a small group discussion. Watch this video for directions on how to make groups as well as other ways to use them.

525 - Groups: Creation & Management from Canvas LMS on Vimeo.

Help links to set up groups:

How do I view all groups in a course as an instructor?
How do I view my Canvas groups as an instructor?
How do I add a group set in a course?
How do I edit a group set?
How do I automatically create groups in a group set?
How do I manually create groups in a group set?
How do I create self sign-up groups?
How do I automatically assign students to groups?
How do I manually assign students to groups?
How do I assign a student leader to a group?
How do I message students who have not signed up for a self sign-up group?
How do I prevent students from switching groups in self sign-up groups?
How do I move a student into a different group?
How do I view student activity within a group as an instructor?