Group Projects/Collaborations

Regular and Substantive InteractionGroup Projects/Collaborations

5 min read

Overview

Projects and collaborations are a potential RSI method. Instructors should use a combination of methods most appropriate to the discipline and course. Explore this page to understand how to best create projects/collaborations that target student engagement and accreditation/evaluation requirements.

Not All Projects & Collaborations Are RSI

  •  Not RSI:

Group projects/collaborations that lack clear academic objectives, guidance, or feedback from the instructor fall into this category. If the project is assigned without specific goals, criteria for success, or opportunities for substantive interaction among group members and between the instructor and groups, it does not effectively contribute to RSI.

  •  Gray Area:

Projects/collaborations where there is some level of instructor involvement and academic purpose but insufficient structure, support, or feedback are in the gray area. There might be initial instructions and a final evaluation, but limited ongoing interaction or guidance.

  •  RSI:

Well-structured group projects/collaborations are clearly aligned with course objectives, with active and ongoing involvement from the instructor. This includes providing initial guidance, setting clear expectations, facilitating discussions, offering constructive feedback, and encouraging reflection on the process.

Self Check

Start with the best example, then click on the other answers for additional guidance! 
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There is a group project without clear instructions, leaving students to coordinate among themselves with no structured check-ins or feedback mechanisms in place, resulting in minimal participation.

NOT RSI:  This would not effectively contribute to RSI.

The instructor provides a basic framework for a group project with an end goal in sight but does not engage with the groups through check-ins, feedback, or facilitating discussions that would enrich the experience and learning outcomes.

Gray Area: This scenario could be seen as providing insufficient structure, support, or feedback.

The instructor assigns groups using Canvas Groups; within well-constructed modules, the instructor outlines specific tasks, deliverables, and success criteria linked to course learning outcomes. The instructor schedules periodic check-ins to discuss progress, addresses any challenges, and provides feedback on drafts.

Definitely RSI: These elements ensure that group projects serve as a substantive educational experience.

Can Accreditors and Evaluators Access Projects and Collaborations?

Start with your best guess, then click on the other answers for additional guidance! 
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No

This will all depend on how it's set up and whether certain permissions are set to public.

If group projects or collaborative activities are conducted entirely outside the LMS (e.g., via external websites, apps not integrated with the LMS, or offline) without any documentation or reflection captured within the LMS, evaluators will not have visibility into these educational interactions.

Gray Area (Conditional Visibility)

Yes, it's a gray area because it depends on how it's set up and whether permissions are set to public.

Projects and collaborations that are partially documented in Canvas (e.g., final products are submitted, but the collaborative process is not captured) provide limited visibility. 

Sprinkling in check-ins or adding summary notes into SpeedGrader along the way can document interactions happening outside of the LMS.

Yes

This will actually depend on how it's set up.

Visible projects/collaborations could include structured use of discussion forums, group wikis set to public, shared documents shared to public, and submission of reflective summaries or process documentation that captures the collaborative learning.

Key Takeaways

  • Clear Instructions and Criteria: Provide detailed instructions, expectations, and evaluation criteria for group projects to ensure all students understand the objectives and their roles.
  • Active Monitoring and Feedback: Regularly check in with groups to monitor their progress, provide direction, and offer feedback. Use Canvas tools like discussion boards or group pages to facilitate (and document) these interactions.

Further Examples

Weak Collaboration Setup:

Assignment Overview: "Work in groups to create a marketing plan. Use Google Docs for collaboration. Submit the link to your document in Canvas by the due date."

 Why It's Weak: This setup lacks detailed instructions, clear objectives, or guidelines for effective collaboration. There's no structure provided for how to use Google Docs effectively, nor is there mention of specific expectations for the marketing plan. The absence of checkpoints, feedback opportunities, or peer evaluation leaves students without guidance, potentially leading to disorganized efforts and unequal contribution levels.

Strong Collaboration Setup:

Assignment Overview: "Your group is tasked with developing a comprehensive marketing plan for a new product launch. To facilitate collaboration, you'll use Google Docs, integrated into our Canvas course. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Group Formation: Groups have been pre-assigned [insert link to groups here]. Each group has a designated leader for coordination.
  2. Google Docs Setup: Within your group's Canvas page [insert link], you'll find a Google Doc template specifically designed for your marketing plan. This template includes sections for market analysis, strategy development, and implementation plans.
  3. Collaboration Guidelines: To ensure effective collaboration, you'll find outlined roles within the document, including market researcher, strategy developer, and implementation manager. Weekly goals are set to guide your progress.
  4. Feedback Loops: You're expected to provide weekly updates on your group's Canvas discussion board, where I'll offer feedback. A mid-project check-in via Zoom will allow us to address any challenges.
  5. Final Submission: Along with your marketing plan, submit a 1-page reflection on your group's collaboration process, including how you utilized Google Docs, challenges faced, and key takeaways.
  6. Peer Review: After submission, you'll engage in a structured peer review with another group, providing and receiving feedback on both the marketing plan and collaboration effectiveness."

 Why It's Strong: This setup provides clear, step-by-step instructions and expectations for the project, from group formation to final submission and peer review. The use of a Google Docs template within Canvas ensures easy access and consistent formatting. Structured roles and weekly goals guide the collaborative process, while regular feedback opportunities with the instructor and peers encourage reflection and improvement. The final reflection and peer review components deepen the learning experience, promoting critical thinking and self-assessment.

How to Use Collaborations

Canvas Guide to Google Doc Collaborations Links to an external site.

Canvas Guide to Outlook 365 Collaborations Links to an external site.

Video Guide to Collaborations (two minutes):