group assignments
I feel that group assigents are admired by averarge or poor students. Good students dislike it as they feel like they are doing all the work . They are always more enthusiastic and do their part of the assignment well.
I do agree that it helps students know each other better in a group. They make new friends, exchange phone no. etc. which works later on as they help each other and try to work on homework assignments togetehr as well.
Group assignments can be a way to encourage the poor student to be a better student because its not only his grade but everyone is depending on him to do his best work. Having a mix of different types of students will bring better performance to the group as a whole.
There will always be an issue with good performing students feeling like they are doing all the work. I try to combat this issue by informing students upfront that each member of the group will get to rate each other anonymously. This method helps to elevate issues or conflicts that could have happen during the group project process. Also, I provide a grading rubric that states that a percentage of their grade will come from the overall completed assignment and the remainder of the points will come from the evaluations of their group members.
I've also been in group assignments and have taken the load as students have not showed up for several weeks before presenting the assignment. Then you get a group grade!! I'm sure at times group assignments do work well-it depends on the commitment of the group.
As a prelude to the group projects, emphasize to the students that they each have something to contribute. You can also create groups that place poor students together and by helping them to respond to the discussion you can give them the chance togrow.
I agree Asha with the concept of only a few students doing the heavy lifting. I was ALWAYS that student. Now, when assigning group work, I make it very clear - LIKE CRYSTAL - my expectations regarding the amount of effort that each member should put into the group work. Usually, the fear of reprimand keeps the groups balanced.
With a larger class (more groups) I sometimes use task sheets for shop projects as it lists all steps necessary to complete the project they are working on while I circulate to check or assist if necessary.
The courses I work within we have group assignments/projects for the class. The outcome of the work group is a brief back to the class or a senior mentor.
To overcome the 80/20 rule (80% of work done by 20% of manpower) we tailor the groups to specific functions and ensure the people answre to those functions in the group and the final product.
Additionally, in looking at the class dymanics, we tend to break friends up between groups or folks from the same office. Essentially we force the students to have to meet and deal with new people.
We have seen with homework assignments, folks staying together in the same hotel will tend to spend some time discussing the information where others which are from a local area, tend not to. Interesting dynamic on those who travel to a course versus those who are attending in their local area.
