Even in a group setting the instructor needs to let the students know each will have individual responsibility. You can always have the group make a presentation with certain aspect of the discussion topic split among each member. Have each member give feedback. Tell each student they will be graded individually. Have each student critique each other. Make the outcome such that each member will have a verbal response.
I have different parts to the project that is assigned to the group and each member of the group needs to be responsible for that part. If that part is missing they are the only individual penalized, the whole group is not.
I tend to assign group work when there is a project involving a class presentation..ie..a body system.. I give a rubric to each group breaking down the expectations of the group and how they will be graded...I then give each student an individual rubric breaking down my expectations as to what I expect of their contribution to the project. Fellow group member assessments of their contributions also play a part in their individual grades. I find this helps to keep everyone happy. The more motivated students enjoy the organization of rubrics, and the "slackers" are made well aware of how to make the grade.
At our school we have to watch them to see if someone is not contributing. But it does make it easyer if they are asigned specific tasks to do.
By clearly informing the students what is expected of them and that part of their grade is based upon the performance of the group as a whole.
By their diversity, individual needs, educational levels and work experience.
When working on large projects, I ask each student to grade each other. When work on informal projects within a course, I monitor how students are interacting and see that all are participating.
I have found that sometimes students in groups do not participate and they let others do the actual task. Thia always has to be watched out for
I am considering developing an evaluation for group work. The idea would be to have each student evaluate each member of their group based on contribution and responsibility. I am still analyzing what other aspects can be included, but I believe that by adding a percent of their individual total grade based on this evaluation would push the "followers" to put up an effort instead of leaning on the "leaders".
Any suggestions ???
Each group member is held responsibile for a specific task or assignment that is required to complete the project. Each team member is also given an opportunity to provide feedback regarding their group members' participation.
I have students anonymously evaluate each other in their groups based upon a rubric. There is also room on the rubric sheets for comments, so they are not only evaluated by numerical scores.
I do too. BUT, all of the individual information is necessary for the group to evaluate the target market, develop marketing strategies, make media placement decisions, and maintain a unified "Brand" when they make their final presentations.
It is still possible to do individual evaluations based on their contribution to the group. The most accurate evaluations come from the students. They pull no punches when they evaluate each member of their group.
Ned
i make groups split work and each student is responsible for their own portion
I am always surprised with who becomes a leader in a group project. It's usually a person that has not shown their skills as a leader. When the pressure for a group to perform is assigned, the quiet people suddenly become vocal. This is one of the rewards of teaching. Every day brings a new lesson, for me and my class.
Ned Littlehales
Hi George!
I'm curious - what percentage of the total grade is the group grade? The reason that I ask is that's where I see the disconnect for the group process. It seems that a group always has at least one student who does not complete their assignment and other members have to pick up the slack. Yet the group members all get the same group grade - something not fair about that.
What do you think?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Give each member a task and then the combined work will earn the group as a whole a single grade.
When I have my students work in groups, I usually give two grades - one for the individual student, and one for the group project. I found that this keeps students who do not contribute to the group project from getting a free ride when it comes to grades. It also allows the others in the group to know that they will be evaluated fairly on their efforts, and that they will not be penalized for another students lack of performance.
Hi Carolina!
I, too, find group work challenging and would really like to find a creative way to grade students. I do like the fact that you give everyone the same grade for being in the group but grade participation separately.
The difficulty is - as you point out - the differences in students. Some people just don't work well in a group setting.
Good job and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Often I only evaluate the group as a whole so students find it necessary to contribute and collaborte with their classmates
I agree with not micromanaging these task. But provide deadlines through out the project for information to be provided.
