Managing Group Projects and Assignments in Large Classes W. Britt Leatham CSUSB

Managing Group Projects and Assignments in Large Classes an example from an upper-division general education natural science Integrative Capstone (NSCI 360--Legacy of Life)

Available Resources University funded by FTES Effective “WTU’s” because of FTES

Available Resources Breakeven at 28:1 SFR One, five quarter-unit lecture/seminar class of 300 provides about 50 WTUS, which is more than one professor’s full academic year WTU commitment (=salary), at about one/seventh of the cost.

Resource Assessment Large classes require more time

Resource Assessment Typical overhead low on standard “stand-and-deliver courses”

Resource Assessment Course costs typically limited to: –syllabus, exam duplication – =3600 copies TOTAL DUPLICATING COST $72 to $180

Grader Reasonable request: –5 to 10 hrs/wk for a ten-week quarter Approximate Course Cost: $250 to $500

Grader Duties and requirements: –grade entry and bookkeeping –exam-proctoring –use scoring rubric for grading assignments requiring minimal content expertise

Student Course Requirements WITHOUT GRADER 2-3 examinations, usually multiple- choice, “scantron” WITH GRADER 2-3 examinations, usually multiple- choice, “scantron” writing and homework term projects extra credit

Group Projects Provide small class perspective Provide in-depth research opportunity of subject material not possible in lecture Develop skills in creativity, cooperative behavior; presentation, writing and design, and peer assessment.

NSCI 360 Group Projects Illustrated Guide to the Biotic History, Organisms, and Environment of any of the following geologic time intervals: Processes of Biological Change and Interpretation of the Biosphere and its origin.

Graphic Design SculptingModeling Content

Produce a multi-page illustrated menu for any two of the of the following eating establishments: –Precambrian Soup Plantation – Cambrian Cafe –Silurian Seaside Smorgasbord – Permian Curry House – Triassic Take-out – Cretaceous Kitchen –Eocene Eatery –TGIP (Thank goodness its Pleistocene)

Each restaurant capitalizes on food resources that were available during the respective time interval used as its theme. You may not use any modern foods, although you may use ancient food substitutes for modern materials. Use any books you feel necessary to complete the project, but make sure to document your source or it is plagiarism.

Each menu should include: a general overview of the unique history of the requisite time theme for each establishment. You will be penalized 25% if you simply report information, without using a typical restaurant style.

Each restaurant capitalizes on food resources that were available during the respective time interval used as its theme. You may not use any modern foods, although you may use ancient food substitutes for modern materials. Use any books you feel necessary to complete the project, but make sure to document your source or it is plagiarism.

A selection of 1) breakfast, 2) lunch, and 3) dinner entrees and meals, as well as desserts, appetizers, and drinks, and house specialties. Present your wares in the most appetizing ways possible, remembering that you must convince your customers that your food is the best available. The illustrations should help the diner identify those strange things that sometimes end-up in the soup. These illustrations must be accurate, hand drawn and colored. Points will be taken off for sloppy drawings Cost and tips? You decide….

Guided Peer Assessment Evaluation Criteria –Content Level –Scholarly effort –Organization –Completeness –Neatness –Creativity –Overall Impression

Guided Peer Assessment Each project and person assigned a number Provide standard form and rubric Individuals assess each group with rubric Group members evaluate other group members with rubric Scores are reduced to A-E for scantron One scantron for group eval, one for group colleagues

Guided Peer Assessment Scores are tabulated by computer Average group scores are computed for each group and are weighted by using average intragroup individual scores. System ensures that those who work receive credit. System is generally fair and objective.