Group assignment / project - What for?

I am not sure whether any of my students has ever wondered why they are required to do so many types of "assignment", they have individual assignment, then group assignment, then don't know what project etc. Why bother calling them by different names, aren't they all the same in essence, i.e. WORK!

Well, at least i did, as a lecturer.

Why so many forms of assessment activities? Is there a reason behind them? Or is it just there for varieties sake, to render our course "exciting"??

My conclusion is, it all depends on how one approaches the task.

Do you approach it as a mere cut-and-paste work, where each member of a group will go their separate way, source for information that is required for their part of the question, write it up, to be "combined" with the work of the rest of the group members by the deadline? This, in essence, amount to mere "cut-and-paste of individual assignments, with a new name given to it (i.e. group assignment)".

Or do you approach it as an opportunity to learn how to work with people who are different from you, to prick each other's brain over the issue at hand, discuss it, challenge and pull each other's hair out over the issues, before a final conclusion and consensus is made?

Often times, based on the way groups were formed, the content, language and flow of the final written submission, as well as the ignorance exhibited by the students, during the "group presentation" session, of their fellow members' area of work, it does seem to suggest more of the former.

It is indeed a sad observation.

What about the lesson of working as a group? Working with people whom you don't like? WOrking with people who seem more or less "proficient" than you? Working with people who are faster / slower than you? Providing / seeking assistance to / from others? Looking out for one another not just for the sake of the assignment, but for the well being of each other?

Well, sad to say, that is not part of the final assessment / marking scheme.

I have seen how students frowned when they are asked to "take in" students who were, somehow, "left out" in the entire grouping process. I have seen how students were so proud of their group when they made statement such as: Ours is a "strong group" (yes, those are the exact words some used).

Don't get me wrong. I do understand how frustrating it is to have members who just don't do anything, while expecting to share the fruits of others' labour. I really do.

This is what i have to say to ALL:

Please be responsible and accountable to others. DO YOUR PART.
Please look out for one another. THe whole objective is not just to pass up a final written submission and score. It is about learning how to reach out to others, help each other out, provide platform for others to learn and improve.
Everyone is equal. WHether you think you are weak or strong, everyone has his / her own strengths and weaknesses, and hence, can and should learn from one another. To think that someone could not contribute, is an act of pride.

To be honest, i am quite confident that all my students will "score" in their group assignment. My desire is that such score will be a meaningful one, beyond marks and grades, impacting one's character and values. That is what i believe to be the main objective of group assignment.