Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education

 

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Effective Peer Evaluation in Learning Teams

Debbie Williams, Abilene Christian University
Doug Foster, Abilene Christian University
Bo Green, Abilene Christian University
Paul Lakey, Abilene Christian University
Raye Lakey, Abilene Christian University

License: CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

Evaluating student performance in learning teams is challenging. This chapter reviews the student learning team and peer evaluation literature. The authors share the results of their experience using four rubrics for peer evaluation in student learning teams. Student learning teams involve forming students into teams for the semester to enhance their active learning. A portion of the course grade is dedicated to team quizzes, activities, and projects. The authors conclude that peer evaluation data should be used both formatively and summatively to enhance team cohesion and accountability and provide their preferred rubric for the peer evaluation process. Usage of forced differentiation in peer evaluation is discussed. A mathematical formula for calculating the impact of peer evaluations in learning teams on course or team project grades is presented.