The method of normalisation combined with peer ratings is utilised to provide the solution to the biased rating problem of mapping group work marks to individual marks. We critically evaluate the method of normalisation following the findings of an article which argued against the use of self and/or peer rating mechanism. We demonstrate that the…

The use of group work, in which three or more students jointly produce a piece of work for summative assessment, is an established aspect of teaching and learning in higher education. Opinions vary however about whether their marks should vary according to the respective contributions they made to the work. This paper is based on the assumption…

Use of peer assessment as a method of differentiating between individual students on a group project is examined. A peer appraisal questionnaire and a method for calculating a peer assessment factor from it are presented. The method's use in a large course and some possible modifications are discussed. The questionnaire is appended. (Author/MSE)

Offers teaching tips on thematic writing assignments, student resubmission of papers, sharing memorable sentences from students' writings, and nontraditional grading policies in writing classes. (RDS)

Describes a collaborative exercise used in a labor-force class to help students apply course concepts and learn collaborative skills. Discusses the structure of each of the four group assignments, the group evaluations and grading, and problems with having groups and the solutions. (CMK)

Cooperative learning as a promising approach for higher education is discussed in terms of its relation to active learning, cognitive processing, and personalizing principles and concepts. Preliminary data from experimental classes demonstrated little advantage for a group improvement incentive. While students in the bottom third of these classes…

Discusses a small group debate technique that can be utilized in any classroom that includes controversial topics. Explains the technique prepares students to give presentations. Includes information on the method, topic selection, group formation, debate location, group interaction, concerns with teacher supervision, student outlines, and…

Explains that one way to overcome free riding (when some members of a group shirk their responsibilities, leaving others to complete the work) is the "Knickrehm Method", in which the professor grades the group project and students can gain or lose points based upon peer evaluations. Describes two trials of the Knickrehm Method. (CMK)

This guide presents Cooperation/Competition (C/C) as the next stage in the evolution of cooperative learning, with its unique ability to mobilize the powerful forces of intergroup and individual competition to supplement cooperative learning's teamwork. In C/C, teachers group students into homogeneous or heterogeneous learning teams, with teams…

One university's use of peer evaluation to develop fair and reliable distribution of grades for group projects is described, and its adaptation to the specific requirements of civil engineering is examined. Results suggest the evaluation model is transferable to this discipline. In particular, use of student journals for grade allocation was found…

The literature pertaining to evaluation of student work in groups is reviewed, and a number of group assessment methods are identified. Two alternative methods used at the University of Sunderland (England) are described. Issues and practical considerations in peer and self-evaluation of work in groups are also examined, particularly the tendency…

This research study used a system of microcomputers interconnected with electronic meeting system software as a possible means of overcoming the grading and participation disparity problems associated with group work sessions conducted in face-to-face meetings. The purpose of the study of 20 undergraduate business students at the University of…

Teacher education programs inadequately prepare teachers to teach students to participate in the many forms of cooperation which are inherent in life. Although teachers have the responsibility of helping students learn how to live and be productive in social groups, students in colleges of education are not usually trained to oversee and grade…

An approach has been developed at the US Military Academy (New York) to supplement computer-assisted instruction for weaker students. Four components include computerized grading and feedback on nightly assignments, in-class group exercises that are quickly graded, an adaptive hypermedia interface to the hypermedia course based on individual…