One way that I evaluate each student is to assign a task for each individual in the group to complete. Then when they come together, their individual tasks help to achieve the group goal.
Having each student submit a piece of the pie, so to speak, is a great way to gauge individual effort. Incorporating peer reviews though is a great idea in that students who do not contribute will be duly noted by students who feel they contribute extensively. The caveat to peer reviews is that they can be opinionated and therefore poor reviews should be investigated before judgement is doled out.
I wouldn't feel guilt as much as I would recognize that I did not meet my own expectations and maybe missed an opportunity to grow. What I've found is that if I've missed that opportunity another one will always be presented and I can only avoid them for so long. It's like the "karma" that never goes away. It hurts my self-esteem.
I wouldn't feel guilt as much as I would recognize that I did not meet my own expectations and maybe missed an opportunity to grow. What I've found is that if I've missed that opportunity another one will always be presented and I can only avoid them for so long. It's like the "karma" that never goes away. It hurts my self-esteem.
It makes sense that with everyone in the group evaluating each other it would increase participation by all.
I think observation is one key point (if they are present in the classroom), and a peer review also sounds like an excellent idea. If the students know that they will be evaluated for their performance in the group by their peers, they may step up their game. Also assigning a certain component of the assignment to certain individuals is another way to evaluate them individually within a group.
Elizabeth,
I agree with you. I believe strongly in getting that feedback from the group as it is more realistic to real life work situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I allow the members of a particular group to give me feedback on each other. I ask how everyone is doing without sounding like I am looking to point someone out. I believe that they will resolve their own issues about work load on their own when there is a group grade involved. I think that student tend to be more involved when their grade is dependent on others.
you have to be able to monitor each individual in that groupand if they contribuite or not
Barbara,
I think this is a great way to ensure that grading is fair & that all are contributing to the work.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I too use a peer evaluation form, which each group member submits for everyone on the team, as well as my grading rubric for the presentation or paper. This includes an explanation of each member's responsibilities and how well they completed their tasks.
when i assign a group project i give several ways to do them. each person takes a specific part that they are going to work on. then they put it all together. during the process i have each student explain to me what their job is and how they are going to accomplish this task. then i meet with the entire group for feed back on how the project is coming along.
Celeste,
yes, this aspect can really help those who may hold back.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have found giving two grades (50/50) for group assignments broken down like this: 50% of the grade for the individuals effort and content of material and 50% of the grade for the group as a whole has worked nicely. Everyone is told how the grading works in advance. I want to make sure the students are not unfairly penalized or unfairly rewarded in a group effort assignment.
I give two grades for the assignment, one for individual participation and one for the group as a whole. This way, the students who carry the load (and we all know there are usually one or two who do) get the credit they deserve for the effort they brought to the group assignment. I let the students know up front how the grading works and that usually lights a fire for even the under achiever.
Alana,
this is a great system. I too make sure that the comments on peers are confidential.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also use the peer review system. When I place students into groups, they will usually assign tasks for each activity and vote on a leader. At the end of their project, they present it to the class. The other groups listening will also include their review/evaluation of the group project. After the group presentation, I hand out peer evaluations along with comments that will help in determining a portion of the individual's grade. This seems to work great. If peers submit comments, I distribute the comments via email or typed to allow for confidentiality of the person commenting.
I, also, am currently teaching online courses. I sometimes receive complaints from students stating that other students are not following through or doing their part, but strong communication via email and after class has helped me keep everyone on task and helps me hold each student in each group accountable.
This is hard, some students are too quite to determine their participation. I think the best way to address this is to make sure they are in groups where they feel confortable and can speak up.
Felecia,
this is a great way to check on that individual work as well as to remind the students that you are checking up on them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
