We have recently taken the opportunity to sit back and take stock of what we have achieved so far. Our original aim was to work with one module to create output.
This did not go to plan exactly and so our focus has widened to other modules. We devised a scenario workshop which has been delivered a number of times and produced some great video material, but this still feels like a narrow contribution to the original problem; that of common mistakes being made in groupwork assignments.
So, after discussions with students and staff, it became evident that something more concrete, accessible and interactive could be useful to keep group members on track with agreed tasks. Therefore we came up with the idea of a concise toolkit for each group to scaffold the foundations of a project. This would aid in setting up expectations, prompt important considerations and attempt to reduce confusion or misunderstanding. At the moment we are playing with the balance between a structure for getting started and ongoing trouble shooting, but have started the process of seeking feedback with our current student contacts. MS OneNote, our focus at the start of the project, appears to support our aims effectively.
Initial responses appear positive overall, with views that the tool could keep groups organised and focused, providing a deeper understanding of why group work as a skill is required, ‘discipline participants’ and aid in meeting asynchronously. Improvements suggested have included an option for a tutor to feedback, reference notes and designated headings / space to save work. These improvements could well be useful for some groups, and having the choice to tailor the workbook should resolve specific requirements.
The idea is that tutors could tweak the contents to suit the module so there is some flexibility. Here’s the link to see our pilot