Students and staff forums join to discuss group assessments

As part of ongoing conversations to improve the student learning experience, staff and students from across the University came together at a joint forum to explore group assessment and share perspectives, ideas, and ways to conduct group assessments.

During the session students highlighted some of the challenges and tensions associated with group assessment. At the same time, they emphasised the value these assignments have in developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills – reinforcing that these are important skills that will support their transition beyond study into the workforce.

Purposeful design, fairness and flexibility 

The discussion between staff and started with understanding and addressing some of the challenges of group assignments. Students highlighted concerns of unequal distribution of work, lack of visibility of individual contributions, and challenges with coordination of team members and time management.

Given these challenges there was a consensus from staff and students that group assessment must be deliberately designed with a clear rationale and a focus on quality over quantity. There was also strong alignment on the need to make individual contributions visible and assessable.

In a presentation students suggested practical approaches to mitigate these challenges, including the use of team charters, clearer assessment rubrics, defined reflection activities, check‑in points and escalation pathways. While areas of the University do use team charters there was discussion on ways to make these more streamlined across areas.

There was strong agreement of the need for flexibility within these approaches for different disciplines, areas and levels, especially between undergraduate and postgraduate settings, and discipline‑specific approaches to assessment weighting.

The conversations pointed to the importance of shared dialogue and reflection with students and staff.

"Universities are communities of inquiry. When students and staff come together to discuss what matters to them openly and respectfully, we strengthen not only our understanding of each other’s experiences and perspectives, but also our sense of belonging to a shared academic community," said Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Education) Professor Jamie Evans.

Bringing staff and student perspectives together

The Students and Education Forum (STEF) is held quarterly, bringing together staff across teaching, learning and the student experience to collaborate on topics that shape the student experience.

While STEF often features student representatives and presentations, a dedicated session was held in collaboration with the Melbourne Student Forum to create a space for students and staff to work in partnership to explore group assessments and discuss ways to improve the student learning experience.

The Melbourne Student Forum brings together a diverse group of 100 students from across the University to regularly meet to contribute their ideas and reflections on their own experiences to help improve the student experience and future-focused issues at a University wide level.

Sessions like this are one of the many ways the University is partnering with students on what matters to them and insights will inform ongoing work the University is undertaking to strengthen assessment design and guidance for staff, as well as broader efforts to assure learning.