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What makes a 'good group'? Exploring the characteristics and performance of undergraduate student groups

Channon, S B; Davis, R C; Goode, N T; May, S A

Authors

S B Channon

R C Davis

N T Goode

S A May



Abstract

Group work forms the foundation for much of student learning within higher education, and has many educational, social and professional benefits. This study aimed to explore the determinants of success or failure for undergraduate student teams and to define a ‘good group’ through considering three aspects of group success: the task, the individuals, and the team. We employed a mixed methodology, combining demographic data with qualitative observations and task and peer evaluation scores. We determined associations between group dynamic and behaviour, demographic composition, member personalities and attitudes towards one another, and task success. We also employed a cluster analysis to create a model outlining the attributes of a good small group learning team in veterinary education. This model highlights that student groups differ in measures of their effectiveness as teams, independent of their task performance. On the basis of this, we suggest that groups who achieve high marks in tasks cannot be assumed to have acquired team working skills, and therefore if these are important as a learning outcome, they must be assessed directly alongside the task output.

Citation

Channon, S. B., Davis, R. C., Goode, N. T., & May, S. A. (2017). What makes a 'good group'? Exploring the characteristics and performance of undergraduate student groups. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 22(1), 17-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-016-9680-y

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 1, 2016
Publication Date Mar 1, 2017
Deposit Date Jan 14, 2017
Publicly Available Date Nov 21, 2020
Journal Advances in Health Sciences Education
Print ISSN 1382-4996
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 22
Issue 1
Pages 17-41
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-016-9680-y
Public URL https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1393042

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