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Group assessment challenges in project-based learning – Perceptions from students in higher engineering courses

Hellström, Daniel LU ; Nilsson, Fredrik LU and Olsson, Annika LU orcid (2009) 2:a Utvecklingskonferensen för Sveriges ingenjörsutbildningar, 2009
Abstract
Industry and society want to recruit students who can work in team-based projects. Thus the task for educators in higher education is to prepare and provide such learning environments. However, assessment is one major challenge associated with enacting these learning environments. The literature advocates active team learning but then supports individual assessment modes. The purpose of this paper is to identify and elaborate on group assessment challenges for students and educators in project-based learning. The research is based on a literature review in the field of project-based learning and group assessment. It is empirically supported by action research in three classes of university engineering students. The findings point to an... (More)
Industry and society want to recruit students who can work in team-based projects. Thus the task for educators in higher education is to prepare and provide such learning environments. However, assessment is one major challenge associated with enacting these learning environments. The literature advocates active team learning but then supports individual assessment modes. The purpose of this paper is to identify and elaborate on group assessment challenges for students and educators in project-based learning. The research is based on a literature review in the field of project-based learning and group assessment. It is empirically supported by action research in three classes of university engineering students. The findings point to an assessment dilemma, which requires a change in mind-set from individual to team/group grading. The students prefer group learning over written exams. However, when it comes to assessment, the majority want individual grading. Individual assessment is perceived as more fair but unnecessary for learning. Furthermore, a challenge identified by educators is to ensure that all individuals have achieved the learning outcomes. At the same time, they find it frustrating to make individual assessments when the course is based on group learning. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to conference
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Assessment, teamwork, Project-based learning, SoTL, Group work, packaging logistics
categories
Higher Education
pages
5 pages
conference name
2:a Utvecklingskonferensen för Sveriges ingenjörsutbildningar, 2009
conference location
Lund, Sweden
conference dates
2009-12-02 - 2009-12-03
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
9b8008cf-7a29-4a07-b724-209cbe50c542 (old id 1497093)
date added to LUP
2016-04-04 13:21:45
date last changed
2021-05-28 02:31:26
@misc{9b8008cf-7a29-4a07-b724-209cbe50c542,
  abstract     = {{Industry and society want to recruit students who can work in team-based projects. Thus the task for educators in higher education is to prepare and provide such learning environments. However, assessment is one major challenge associated with enacting these learning environments. The literature advocates active team learning but then supports individual assessment modes. The purpose of this paper is to identify and elaborate on group assessment challenges for students and educators in project-based learning. The research is based on a literature review in the field of project-based learning and group assessment. It is empirically supported by action research in three classes of university engineering students. The findings point to an assessment dilemma, which requires a change in mind-set from individual to team/group grading. The students prefer group learning over written exams. However, when it comes to assessment, the majority want individual grading. Individual assessment is perceived as more fair but unnecessary for learning. Furthermore, a challenge identified by educators is to ensure that all individuals have achieved the learning outcomes. At the same time, they find it frustrating to make individual assessments when the course is based on group learning.}},
  author       = {{Hellström, Daniel and Nilsson, Fredrik and Olsson, Annika}},
  keywords     = {{Assessment; teamwork; Project-based learning; SoTL; Group work; packaging logistics}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  title        = {{Group assessment challenges in project-based learning – Perceptions from students in higher engineering courses}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/6101280/1497097.pdf}},
  year         = {{2009}},
}