How can I make a group writing project more fair?

Question

I teach university-level Writing II and we will be doing group writing project. I am now sure, however, how much I can control this, but I am looking for some ideas to help ensure that my the project is fair for all of the students. I think I'll give a survey at the end, so students can tell me if one or two students slacked. I'll be giving both individual and group grades. Any other ideas? Thanks!

Oh wow. I wrote this question really quick, then logged off. I'm embarrassed about the spelling/grammar mistakes! I hope none of my students read this! :)

Thanks for all of the advice so far. I'm going to leave this question open until it ends, just to see if I get any more good suggestions. Thanks again, guys!

Answer 1

When doing group projects and presentations, most of the time we do a "self assessment" that is turned in at the same time.

The assessment asks us to detail our responsibility in the group. Did I type the final draft? Did I make the power point? Did I do most of the research? We then are given an opportunity to write down what percentage of work we think we did as well as the percentage of work we think the other group members did. When all of the assessments are turned in, it gives the instructor a good idea of who the slacker might be.

You also might try to require a presentation at the end of the project.. one that requires the group to speak to the class. You can easily tell which group members are on target and which members do not know the material [maybe they are reading word for word from note cards]. This would also be good public speaking practice..

Answer 2

Unfortunately, there really is not a fair way to do a group project. There is always going to be those students who slack off and those who go above and beyond. You can require each person to turn in a rough draft, which could ensure they are doing something. I think the questionnaire at the end of the project is a good idea. It allows the students to say who helped and who didnt. Even letting them grade the other group members would help. There would then be pressure for everyone to do their part.

Answer 3

Maybe have each student work on a different part of the project, or have a different amount of writing due each day or a specific time period. But remember that writing is essentially an art, and it varies greatly from person to person. Some people may not be able to write 10 pages of it, while they are able to write 2 amazing pages. It is very tough to regulate writing and still get good results, because writing has so much natural flow that sometimes it is just best to sit back and wait for whatever comes out.

Answer 4

This is how my college teachers handle it, so perhaps it will give you a usable idea. When doing group projects (of any kind), at the end of it each person turns in an evaluation of the group--giving each peer a number grade based on participation, creativity, teamwork, etc. Additionally, each person hands in their own work--the part that they and they alone did as a paper. I like this component because as an honor student, no one else is able to claim my own work as their product.

Good luck and thanks for asking for ideas. It's nice to have profs that do this. Group projects can be a hassle!

Answer 5

The administration is what continues to be the comparable by way of out the project so the administration is the radish seeds. slightly extra information: self sufficient variable- the styles of water based variable- the top of the seeds. desire I helped! solid luck!