Below are general tips for creating and grading group assignments as well as tips specific to using Brightspace to create and grade group assignments. These are broken down into:
If you need to learn more about the specific tools mentioned in these tips, visit CTL’s Workshops or Workshop Recordings and Instructor Resources.
- Consider the best tool for the assignment: Brightspace has several types of assessment tools (Assignments, Quizzes, Discussions, etc.). Consider the format of your assignment, and determine if current Brightspace tools satisfy your needs, or if you should host the assignment offline.
- Utilize the Groups Tool: Brightspace’s Groups Tool allows instructors to easily organize students into groups where special storage areas, Discussions, and Assignments can be assigned. Groups Tool allows instructors to randomly assign students into the groups or have students self-enroll.
- Utilize the Rubrics Tool: Brightspace’s Rubrics Tool allows instructors to outline clear requirements and streamline the grading process within Brightspace’s marking area for Discussions and Assignments.
- Make sure settings are correct: Certain Brightspace settings cannot be modified after students have begun to submit. For example, an Assignment can no longer be changed to a Group Assignment after submission are received. Ensure your settings are correct before making them visible to students.
- What is the purpose and outcome of making the assignment collaborative? Is the assignment structured in a way that facilitates said purpose and outcome?
- How does the group assignment play a role in the course structure or timeline? Will students obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to complete the assignments prior to the due dates?
- What are your expectations for the completeness, professionalism, and other aspects of the assignment submissions? Are the expectations realistic based on your outlined timeframe and class workload?
- What equipment (e.g., computer, software subscription, etc.) is required for the assignment? What problems might there be in obtaining the equipment? Are there alternatives if students cannot obtain them due to financial or other reasons?
- Are there multiple stages in the assignment? Consider the impact of releasing the instruction for all the phases in advance versus releasing the stages one at a time.
- What is the size of the groups? Think about the impact the size of the group has on the ability of each student to learn the material.
- Will you be assigning the groups, or will students be making their own groups? What criteria will you consider if you will be the one to assign the groups?
- Make your expectations clear: what are the criteria for an excellent group submission? Consider outlining these criteria using a rubric or a set of instructions and make them public to the students.
- How long do you expect the students to form a group? Consider making the group formation its own assignment with a due date before starting the official assignment.
- How will the submission be evaluated among the group? Will one grade be assigned to every group member, or will marks be assigned based on contributions? If it is the latter, consider adding personal components (peer feedback, reflections, work logs, etc.) and make the evaluation criteria clear when opening the assignment.
Provide clear instructions for:
- where to find the Groups tool in the Brightspace course site for checking their group members, using the group storage area, and enrolling in groups.
- where to find the assignment in the Brightspace course site, or if the assignment is to be conducted offline.
- the instructions, expectations, and/or rubrics for the assignment, and any policies regarding the submission (e.g., late submissions, etc.).
- the number of attempts/submissions students have for the assignment. If multiple attempts are allowed, explain which attempt will be used when evaluating.
- how to reach you in case of any questions or concerns, or if the student requires any accommodation.
- submitting assignments. Only one person submits for the entire group.
Advise students to:
- Dedicate time consistently to complete the assignment on time.
- Regularly communicate with team members throughout the assignment timeline to ensure consistent progress.
- Reach out to you immediately if any questions, concerns, or exceptions arise during the assignment.
Brightspace Grading:
- In Assignments, one student can submit on behalf of the group. Only the submitting student will receive the submission receipt email.
- In Assignments, when you view submissions to evaluate them, they will be separated by groups, not by students.
- In Assignments, assigning a grade to a group submission assigns all students with the same grade.
- In Discussions, evaluations of group discussion posts are separated by students, not by groups.
- Grades for a particular student in a group can be overridden in Gradebook using the steps in “How to Change an Individual's Grade in a Group Assignment”.
What to consider:
- Explain precisely to your GATAs the expectation and grading criteria.
- Consider the time line of releasing your feedback (e.g., consider the impact of releasing the feedback after each phase versus releasing them at the end).
- How well did the student do on the assignment / phases? What factors might have been at play? Use these reflections to improve your future group assignments.