The Achilles Heal and Collaborative Projects (Irish - Module 3)

Collaborative, or group projects have always been the Achilles heal of the assessment world.  In case you forgot, Achilles was a mighty Greek fighter who was killed by a fatal arrow wound to the sensitive heal area.  Although Achilles was a strong warrior, this weak part of his body ended up being his downside.

The reason why collaborative projects are the Achilles heal of the assessment world is the challenge that they pose to assess.  With many people contributing to the final product it can be challenging to know if the work was done equally, fairly, and represents the thoughts and ideas of the entire group.  Although, with careful planning and guidance on the part of the instructor collaborative projects don't have to be the Achilles heal.

Palloff and Pratt (2005) outlined a three step process to support the collaborative process: model, guide, and then evaluate.  In the modeling phase the instructor works with the students to show them what good collaboration looks like.  During the guidance phase the instructor could meet virtually with the group to determine the roles of the members, the outline for the tasks, and an overall plan for the project.  During this phase the instructor is there to guide the group in their mission.  The final evaluation phase the is a chance for the instructor to meet with the group as a whole, as well as the individuals to assess the end product.

One of the largest challenges in a collaborative project is the role of each individual not always having an equal part in the final product.  One of the befits, as well as challenges to working collaborative is that everyone brings different skills to the table.  Different skills does not always mean that everyone will have an equal amount of time invested in the final product.  The role of the instructor when it comes time to assess the product is to determine if everyone contributed their best to the product.  Palloff and Pratt (2005) suggested that in a collaborative project that each individual create a portfolio of their contributions to the product.  This portfolio, as well as the group and individual conversations can aid in the assessment of the final product.  

Another challenge to collaborative projects is a member not wanting to network or collaborate in the learning community.  When this lack of engagement happens with one member of a collaborative group the entier group and struggle.  It is the responsibility of the group to reach out to both the instructor and that group member.  The rest of the group should not be penalized if one member of their group does not want to engage and work collaboratively.  If the instructor has taken the advice of Palloff and Pratt and worked supporting the group through the three phases of the collaborative process then the chances of having a non-committed group member is less likely to occur.