Abstract:
Group exams have been proposed as a means to improve student learning and provide balanced assessment in the higher education classroom. Group exams are an assessment procedure that requires small groups of students to work together to answer exam questions. Grades can be assigned at the group or individual level depending on the goals of the instructor. This paper provides an overview of the benefits of implementing group exams in the higher education classroom, describes how four individual instructors implemented group exams within their classrooms to achieve specific pedagogical goals, and discusses student evaluations of the group exam process in light of these goals. Student evaluations of the group exam process revealed several perceived benefits of the group exam when compared to other exam experiences. Student reported benefits included increased exam preparation, reduced anxiety, learning from and collaboration with others, exposure to new ideas, retention of knowledge and critical thinking. Instructors in agriculture and related disciplines may wish to consider the use of group exams as part of a balanced classroom assessment process.
Keywords:
group exams, higher education, strategies, support, implementation
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