Clarifying Group Work
I was hoping I might get more information on the evaluation of group projects. The four assessments outlined are helpful, but I wonder how to best implement an evaluation of individuals within a group. The module suggested that peer evaluations might work, but often do not. Outside of peer evals, are there any other methods to gauge individual involvement in group projects?
I feel that group work earns a group grade. Part of working in a group means that each team member needs to ensure the success of the project. Whether that means one person steps up to act as the leader, and the rest follow, or they all work as one equal unit. Most of our projects in pastry school are graded on a rubric, as per the result of the particular project. I can not grade a student individually for that project, unless of course I can plainly see that the student did not participate as much as the others (which is often the case).
Hi Douglas, Excellent suggestion! I really prefer myself as an online educator to be a "facilitator" rather than "instructor". Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
You might want to delve into the world of constructivist learning theory. In this model, emphasis is placed on active learning in small groups, rather than in a manner driven by the instructor at the center of instruction lecturing. There is a great book by Brooks & Brooks titled "In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms."
Hi Holly, here's another site you can check out, but again, Google search and you'll find lots of others with differnt ideas. Have a great holiday week-end!
Susan
Susan Polick
