Assessing individual contribution in collaborative learning through self- and peer-assessment in the context of China

ABSTRACT

In this study, self-assessment and peer-assessment (SAPA) were designed for evaluating individual contributions during the process and of the products in a collaborative learning environment in China. The purpose of the study was to describe the feasible and practical principles and strategies applied and identify students’ learning experiences and perceptions of the assessment. Both quantitative and qualitative data about the students’ perceptions of the assessment and practical use of SAPA assignments and tools were collected. Results showed the SAPA method helped students divide individual responsivities more specifically and facilitate group members to perform a fair share of group tasks. This study further identified the proportion of contribution scores in the final score, self-reflections of individual contributions and the multiple strategies for minimising reciprocity effects to be crucial for the SAPA method to be useful in practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Individual contribution
• Computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL)
• self-assessment
• peer assessment
• formative assessment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by the National Social Science Fund of China ‘Analysis and evaluation of online collaborative learning engagement’ (Grant No. CCA180257).

Notes on contributors

Zhiqiang Ma

Dr Zhiqiang Ma is an associate professor of the Research Center for Educational Informatization at Jiangnan University. His research interests include CSCL, learning analysis, peer assessment.

Xuejing Yan

Xuejing Yan is a graduate student of the Research Center Education Informatization at Jiangnan University. Her research interests include CSCL, learning analysis and evaluation.

Qiyun Wang

Dr. Qiyun Wang is an associate professor of the Academic Group of Learning Science and Technologies at National Institute of Education (Singapore). His research interests include web 2.0 tools for teaching and learning, social media for learning, educational design research.