{"id":9241,"date":"2014-10-14T16:19:09","date_gmt":"2014-10-14T05:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legoeng.local\/?p=9241"},"modified":"2022-07-31T17:17:26","modified_gmt":"2022-07-31T07:17:26","slug":"assessment-tools-for-group-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/legoeng.local\/assessment-tools-for-group-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Assessment tools for group projects"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2014<\/a>
2014 GO DRAGONS WIN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In our push to get more students involved in STEM subjects, we incorporated LEGO robotics into our high school Physics and our AP Physics 1 curricula. This meant that I had to develop a consistent way to assess my students, individually and collaboratively, as they planned, built, and programmed their robots.<\/p>\n

Background<\/h2>\n

DeWitt School District is located in southeast Arkansas in the middle of the Grand Prairie. We are surrounded by rice, corn, and soy bean fields. We are the largest geographical school district in Arkansas with about 1300 students.<\/p>\n

Farming is the major industry in our school district. There are several manufacturing companies, some of which use robotics in their processes. Aerial spraying companies have begun to use drones. As farming and farm-support businesses become more technologically advanced, our students need a variety of STEM related activities to foster an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Members of the community, along with several local organizations, donated money to buy MINDSTORMS NXT kits to help promote STEM in our schools.<\/p>\n

Groups<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I found that three students in a group seemed to be the best arrangement. I tried four in a group but found there wasn\u2019t enough work to keep four busy. I have tried various procedures in assigning members to groups, including drawing names, sorting by grades, and allowing them to choose their own groups.<\/p>\n

Each group chooses a foreman, a secretary, and a materials manager. The foreman is the leader, keeping the group on task and focused. The secretary handles all the paperwork that needs to be turned in. The materials manager makes sure that the NXT kit is complete and finds any extra bits and pieces necessary to complete a build.<\/p>\n

Assessment tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I have developed a rubric for each job. As students work in their groups to complete a project, I wander around the room, observing each student at their task. I also observe the group dynamic as they plan, build, and program. I use my observations to assess each individual according to the rubric for their job. This is the individual grade for the project.<\/p>\n

I have also developed a rubric to assess the final product. This provides a second grade for each individual for the project. I change this rubric as necessary to fit each project.<\/p>\n

These rubrics are attached for your use. Change them or rearrange them to suit your particular needs. These rubrics can be used as formative and\/or summative assessments.<\/p>\n