Group Tests
In my experience, students do not like to work in groups because they feel one or two people end up doing most of the work while the others sit back and do not do much. Some students do not see the value in working together, they would rather work independently.
For one of my classes, I have students take a group test. Often the students are reluctant about this at first. When they take the test with partners they are able to talk out their answers. Some students say they learned mmore from working together than they did from the lecture. Other students did not like the group could not consent on an answer. Once the students get their test scores back I have the write a paper together and they talk about the pros and cons of taking a test together. I think it is important to do this because it teaches students to work together.
Gary,
you hit on one of the best reasons for having groups. The ability to disagree cordially & respectfully is greatly needed.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I try to remind students that do not like groups that it is practice for the real world when they might need to work on a group project. Disagreeing in class helps expose them to what may happen in the real world and if they experience that in the classroom they will know how to handle it when they are out in the field.
I agree. Many of my students, mostly the good getters that want to achieve A's, complain about group work. So it is frustrating trying to meet all the students needs. I have thought about putting all the students in groups according to their work ethic, strong students together and so forth and so on. But is that setting up the students for failure? Am I taking away the diversity needed for a successful group? Thoughts?
Very interesting concept. I have my students work in groups and present an author to the class at the end of each quarter. They choose their own groups. They do not all get the same grade; however. I consider their actual presentation and their feedback when assigning grades. The students actually complete a questionnaire where they grade each of their team members on his/her participation, etc. They also have to grade themselves. It makes for an intersting dynamic.
I would have to agree with you Mary. I have noticed that some students really don't want to work in groups because one or two students always end up doing the work and then the other two or three students end up getting the credit beause it is a group project. The idea of group tests sounds appealing. I am not sure if it would work for my environment given that the students are very competetive with the "every man/woman out for themselves"; it is however possible to change the culture of that because in the end, they will be working with their peers or amongst other members of their field that they may not favor.
