In every class I teach, whether it be for the technical school or the university, I incorporate group presentations. If the class is big enough, the groups will be split into two, having two group leaders coordinate the presentation. I teach allied health professionals and nurses so I stress the importance of being able to work as a team. Before they split into their respective groups, they are given a very detailed rubrik. The final grade is broken down into the following: the team's evaluation of the individual group member, audience feedback from the other team, and the instructor's evaluation. I ask the individual team members write their evaluations anonymously, so they can really tell me how much or how little that group member participated in the project. The group leader is also evaluated by their team members.
I fine this to be an excellent way to promote team cohesiveness, effective communication skills and presentation skills. It is often interesting to see the comments from the different group members.
I currently assigned one of the classes which I have been having problems with in terms of professionalism and lack of cohesiveness. They are resisting, however, I trust in the long run, they will be forced to work together and finally get the point of the whole exercise. The outcome remains to be seen, but trust it will be a positive one.
Any suggestions on how, I can get them to buy in on the group presentations without relying solely on the weight of the presentation on their final grades? I often have to answer questions like: "why do we have to do this?", "I work better alone", "why did you have to put me in that girl's group?". My generic answer; "it builds team spirit"
