Evaluating individual members of a groups is a multi-step process. First the instructor must clearly define the purpose of the group effort. He must make it clear to all members that they have to be active members of the group. The instructor then has to observe the group to determine its dynamics. The instructor then has to interact with the group to insure that the group is operating properly.
I evaluate the group as a whole, and then I hand out an anonymous evaluation form for each member of the group to fill out. Students are able to speak freely about each others contributions, and I get a better understanding of who is responsible for each part of the project.
I agree. Students evaluating themselves in the group is a good idea. If they know they are evaluating themselves in the early stages of a project they may plan ahead and perform better.
The one on one interaction can allow you to customize learning activities....
In one of my classes, I have a group research project that is presented toward the end of the class. I give them one or two times during class to work on the project. In the past year, I have changed my grading format to an individual grade for each participant. Before, teh same grade would apply to every one in the group. I feel an individual grade is more fair. One portion of the rubric is devoted to the individual score and I couple that with each individual's peer evaluations to determine each student's grade for the project. I notice their interaction during the group meetings in class and I require each student do a part of the presentaion. Each student's part of the presentaion with the peer evaluation gives me the help I need in assessing the individual grade for the group project.
I really like the idea of getting students to evaluate themselves on their group performance, and then combine this mark with your own observations.
I am lucky to work with small class sizes. I can have one on one interaction with the groups.
Rob
Pay attention to their actions in class. Listen to their questions or discussion points. Sometimes you can know about a student by the way their dress or the way they interact with other students.
I look at the interaction with others and see
which individuals step up to the plate.
I teach accounting classes, so it is not really conducive to group work. Pratice sets and accounting cases seem to work ok with small group settings.
I usually use two models when evaluating students withing the group: one by the other members of the group and the other my evaluation of their participation. Group members are usually pretty quick to provide information about participation, especially those that don't contribute.
I usually grade the final project and then I have the students grade their classmates and themselves anonymously. It is amazing how people see the same situation many different ways. This also eliminates people not doing their part because they know their classmates will grade them.
One way I like to evaluate members of a group is to create a score sheet with different categories and have each member score and comment on each of the members in their group
I normally evaluate individuals by contribution. I measure contribution by observed activity level, interaction levels, and participation in the final product.
I'm in a similar situation. the problem I enouunter is that typically one member of the group tends to become the secretary, writing down the information (measurements, clearances, etc,) as opposed to gathering their own data. During finals, these students get the "dear in the headlights" look and become completely lost when no longer in the gorup environment. While working in a group, they seem to to be engaged but it's not till the groups are dissolved that you realize that particular student was the record keeper.
By having the student fill out a participation review for each member of the group.
Not quite sure I understand your question..
I agree with this evaluation. I try to monitor the groups closely and let them all know at the begining that they will have both a group grade (given by me) and an individual grade (given by group members. It usually helps with motivation.
Evaluations of individual members of student groups are done through self and peer evaluations. It is a great tool to use since you will get an array of various opinions, based on their participation, quality of work and understanding.
Hi Nicole!
But doesn't this still impact the outcome of the overall project? Is there more that we need to know about this approach to help clarify your approach?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
