Student Views of Class Projects as Learning Experiences

Abstract

Group projects have long been an important element of higher education classes. Class projects involve additional cooperation and coordination among students. Student perceptions are an important factor in evaluating the effectiveness of projects. This exploratory study used a 39-item questionnaire to examine undergraduate student perceptions of class projects in courses in recreation and sport management at the conclusion of the projects. Students were highly favorable of class projects as a learning experience and identified increased skill development in time management, planning, and organizing and working with others. Presence of a noncontributing group member had no affect on student perceptions of class project benefits (t (38) = 1.7, p = 0.09). These findings provide support for the use of class projects in recreation and sport management courses as a valuable teaching tool. Further research of student perceptions of class projects across multiple universities is needed.

Keywords:

• class projects
• group projects
• teamwork