Managing groupwork

Group work plays a significant role in education and assessment at the University. It fosters collaboration, communication, and discipline-specific skills, while also providing opportunities for building strong relationships. However, effective assessment of group work requires thoughtful planning. Some key considerations are:

1) Purpose of assessment

• Decide whether to assess the process (individual teamwork skills and interaction) or the product (quantity and quality of individual work within a group project), or both.
• Align the assessment approach with the learning objectives and goals.

2) Grading methods

• Groupwork can be formative or summative.
• Choose how to evaluate or grade group work. Options include instructor evaluations, self-assessments, and peer evaluations.
• Ensure transparency by clarifying criteria and explaining how individuals will be graded within the group.

3) Group formation

• Work out the group size (ideally not exceeding six members) to maximize interactions and learning.
• Empower students to have control over the group process, content, and outcomes.

4) Guidance

• Provide clear learning objectives, task requirements, and timelines.
• Explicitly teach students how to work effectively in groups.

Group work and group assessments, whether formative or summative, that are well designed and planned can enhance transferrable skills and create positive learning environments.

Find out more

Advance HE information as part of their Teaching International Students project on how to make group work more effective.

More information, practical tips and examples can be found on our Moodle Quick Guide.

See all Educator support and resources.