Cooperating in Group Activities
As an adult learner, completing my Master's at 43, beginning at 41.
I agree with all the age diversity points with the exception of groups activities, especially for a high % grade.
My goal was to receive A's for the first time in previous education. Group grades may prevent the completion of that goal.
My only B + out of 12 total grades was from a group project.
I really like the idea of anonymous group evaluation. It is tough to be judged by your peers. If a student knows it's coming, they may find motivaton to perform at a higher level, and not just rest on their laurels. Also, it could give real insight to the inner workings of the final product. Very Useful!
Hi Rachelle,
I to like to use groups as learning tools. I find that I get very good results from them when I have them organized and blended well. You mention a good point about the need for making sure that individual effort is recognized and that the behavior of one does not affect the results for the other group members.
Gary
I do believe that group activities further enrich a students experience in a given class or situation. Not only is it important for an individual to be able to work well with others; I think that it is crucial to someones social growth to be able to successfully work with others and be successful all together. I feel it adds an extra "drive" to those desiring to accomplish the task at hand in the best way possible. By having this drive, they impart it on others to hopefully have the same will to succeed and accomplish the goal of the situation.
Yet, it is the instructors responsibility to take note of individual efforts in a group setting; as there are always those who through careless acts put the entire groups effort at risk. Still, it should be the responsibility of the team members to keep any and all partners focused on the goal at hand.
Hi Brandi,
Thank you for this explanation of how using a grading rubric works for you and your students as well as how it can help with social development as well. Social skills are critical in all settings but even more so in medical offices where the patients may be under stress related to their personal situations.
Gary
Hi Gary,
I too use a rubric when grading students on group projects. Using the rubric helps the students understand that they will be graded on what THEY contributed to the project, not just the project as a whole. It makes them accountable for their actions. I also agree that is helps develop social skills. Our students will be working in a medical office and need to be able to work with co-workers, doctors, and patients, all three of which will require a different set of social skills.
Brandi
Hi Sheri,
I to like group activities because it helps to develop student abilities in the areas of understanding and cooperation.
Gary
Hello there,
I am a huge advocate of group activities. Students must learn how to work with other people.
The final project in my speech class is a group presentation. In order to assure that all students are graded fairly, I have group members evaluate their teammates. The evaluation form has ten questions on a sliding scale of excellent to poor and a required feedback section where the student explains their evaluation score. I assure the class that the evaluation is private and will not be returned. My experience is that students provide honest feedback, even when talking about friends.
Hi Beth,
You make a very good point about grading group projects. I believe strongly in group projects due to the social skills that develop out of them. I also believe strongly in giving students grades they individually earn. This is why with group projects I have a rubric where I can grade individual student contributions.
Gary
