Oh grading, how I loathe thee.
I definitely think that grading the book review needs to be based both on group collaboration and individual input, broken down 35% group grade, 65% individual grade.
For the group grade you could examine what/how much of the objectives of the review were met: timeline was met by most members, connection to the outside world was made, and insightful discussions were had.
As for the individual grade, the grade could be scaled for how much each individual contributed to: timeline; individual roles/responsibilities within the group; connecting the book, 21st century skills and the classroom together; thoughtful input into discussions.
I think perhaps there should be a short (one page max) write-up about the project written by each person. In this write-up everyone could touch on their contributions to the project, how well they think their group worked together, as well as a peer evaluation. The idea behind this write-up is that each individual can vouch for their contribution, but won't get credit for over embellishing and exaggerating the truth since their group members would be a checks-and-balances of sorts.
Keri -
ReplyDeleteThe prospect of grading is daunting to me, too. These blog posts are excellent examples of how difficult it is to please everyone, and to grade people based on their strengths. I agree with you that it makes sense to mix individual and group grades, and have each grade reflect the different tasks that each member had to do. I also LOVE the idea of the short paper at the end, where everyone can have a chance to explain any difficulties or benefits that came from working together. I think that too often teachers do not trust students to evaluate themselves and each other thoughtfully and critically. However, to me it is one of the great assets that students can offer teachers. We cannot be watching all groups all the time, seeing who is leading and who is following, and we don't know how students act toward each other when we turn our backs.
This seems like a great remedy to the problem of not knowing what is "really going on" in student groups. It also helps to give the fairest grade possible. Good call!
I hate grading these types of things too. I think it is so difficult to completely be fair to everyone in the group. I agree with what you think about the way it should be graded though there is a part of me that really believes that the group grade should be higher. But maybe the project shouldn't count as much in their GPA. I think students really need to learn how to work in a group and how to do so well, no matter how hard it may be.
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