Enhancing Groupwork Assessment: Samtse College of Education Faculty attend Workshop on Groupwork Assessment Framework (GAF)

A group of faculty from Samtse College of Education conducted a Workshop on Groupwork Assessment Framework on 14 March 2023 for its faculty members. The workshop, attended by 23 faculty, was facilitated by four lecturers from the same college.

The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the faculty’s knowledge and understanding of the best practices in assessing groupwork in higher education. One of the facilitators, Dr Yangdon, stated that the workshop was designed to ‘create awareness amongst faculty members on GAF and its benefits.’ She emphasised the importance of having a common understanding of Groupwork Assessment Frameworks and the benefits the practice can bring to the teaching and learning process. Dr Karma Utha, the lead of the workshop, stated that the initial study on GAF was implemented by 11 tutors across different programmes in the college with positive outcomes. This workshop is the result of their final findings.

Through an interactive session, participants shared their experiences and challenges in conducting and assessing groupwork. The facilitators then introduced the participants to the overview of the three phases of GAF: Planning, Implementation and Assessment. The participants were trained on the different practical strategies and tools that would address some of the challenges of groupwork such as uneven task division, unequal students’ contribution and individual accountability. Different groupwork assessment frameworks and techniques, including peer assessment, group assessment, process and product-oriented assessments were also highlighted as practical tools to assess groupwork effectively and efficiently.

The participants appreciated the hands-on approach of the workshop and found the strategies and tools presented to be practical and relevant to their teaching and learning contexts with many indicating their desire to implement GAF in the Spring Semester. A book on Groupwork Assessment Framework will be released within this year.