I have been evaluating individual students using two methods; (a) my observation of individual work, and (b) participants assessment of others in the group. In the past I never considered self-assessment by the students, but it seems like a good evaluation method, especially if students use it as a self-reflective exercise to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Teaching Service Management and Service Writing for the Dealership level, my lab grading process is broken down 30/70% on their lab projects. Acquiring the correct answers on lab work is important, but I find myself looking more carefully at the other 30%.
With the advent of cell phones and text messaging, the art of communication is a dying skill. Many of my students are either a single child or latch key children whos communication style is singular in nature and outside input is forign to them. Each participant in the lab group is graded not only on the correct answer, but to some extent their ability to interact, form an opinion, and convey that opinion into a workable solution that benefits the group as a whole.
I feel students can really benefit from each other by doing group work. Some are ok with it and others hate to work in a group. I tell my students that part of the instructor's role is to prepare them for the work force. Unless they want to be their only employee and not have any customers, they're going to have to deal with other people. However, I'm not a big fan of group work for a grade. It's too difficult to fairly assess, even in Grad school.
I liked the grading method mentioned at the end of this module. Give each member the same grade for one part of the project (completeness), grade each student individually (close observation of their "part") and let the students self-evaluate their group effort (this will let them "tell on" each other which will let me know who did what/when/how..). Thank you - it's given me some good ideas about a big group project I assign.
Hi David!
I like your approach after all classroom activites is about learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane David
ED106 Facilitator
In my classroom it is easy for students to "hide" when doing group projects. Most important is to make sure that the work is ditributed evenly and then let the students know that they will be graded both individually and on the group's performance as a whole.
I explain that they should work together to challenge there ideas and make them think openly. I also let them know if they can teach a skill then they truly know the skill.
Yes, individual assignmants within the groups facilitates gradingas well as individual help for each student during the assignment.
Thanks Mark for your thoughts! I am not a fan of graded group work although it is required by most schools. However, when I have a group assignment, I do it much like you do. Unfortunately, groups always have those slackers - so - holding each member accountable is a good idea.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think that assigning certain tasks for each group member to be accomplished is key. By doing this, you give some of the less motivated or less skilled, an exact task to be completed that they are held accountable for. The student that is unmotivated, now understands it's essential to become motivated and get the task done.
Another great observation Mazzy!
Instructors forget that the so much of a student's success is dependent on the instructor. I like the approach of "well-orchestrated" with "specified tasks".
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Justin!
It sounds as though group work in your class can be very fulfilling. If you haven't read any of the posts, please take a moment to do that. There has been so really good ideas for working with groups.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I think a key part of this is when the group is formed that they assign each member a specific task. This helps to keep the group focused but also makes each member accountable to the next. Another part of this is to float thru out the room observing each group and if possible even "sitting in" for a short period of time.
Group activities work effectively only if it is a well-planned learning activity. Instructors need to make sure that the group activity is well-orchestrated and that every member of the group has a specified task. Instructors also need to make sure that they are continously monitoring group activites to make sure that all members of the team is actively participating in the activity.
I always start by monitoring the group dynamics. Allowing the group to organize on the topic or subject and watch how the members react and participate in the intial discussion. When I see that the group is engaged I will step in where necessary to direct and clarify if needed or just to monitor the activity as it proceeds and even to restart the group if necessary. This gives me the opportunity to focus on individuals within the group and evaluate their input, flexibility and overall contribution to the project. I very rarely give a blanket grade to a group project. Individual effort is evaluated by how it effects the overall outcome of the project.
I try to evaluate each person by making sure they all have a task to complete. Each student is in a group but also responible for a percentage of the task that is given. Everybody has a part to play in the completion of the task.
use a quiz to test knowledge
I like to assign students individual tasks that support the overall project. This allows me to individually monitor the student as well as the group's performance. In addition, this ensures the student is an active member of the group and contributes a fair share of the resulting project.
Individual student contributions to group work and projects are evaluated based on individual submissions to the assignment. Although students must operate in the group environment individual work is critical to completing the group project. Students present their individual responses which are then combined into a group response. They are then evaluated on their individual submissions, group participation visible through the chat and DB forums, as well as their overall involvement in the final product. Students also delegate individual responsibilities which are also used as a grading criteria.
I find that administering individual assessment activities, such as quizes, tests and papers, provide a valuable tool for evaluating individuals while working with a group.
