Achieving the 21st Century Educational Outcomes through Group Work: A Case of Business Plan Preparation, Presentation and Assessment

The paper is a report on an investigation that was conducted to solicit responses on the student’s experiences with group activities as a form of assessment for learning. A mixed research methodology involving the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was used. A thirty five (35) item questionnaire was designed and distributed to a sample of 90 students to solicit their responses relating to their learning experiences during a business plan preparation and presentation assessment activity. Observations by the researchers during the activity were also incorporated in the study. The results of the study revealed that students felt that they learnt more from their peers during the preparation and presentation of their business plans. Among the observed actions and behaviours of groups, lack of coordination and role conflicts were among the most dominant challenges. Collaborative team efforts were cited as the main benefit derived from the group activity. The statistical analysis results yielded positive correlations between group behaviour variables and educational outcomes. The study concludes that group communication, group inputs, contributions by group members, collaborative participation and group harmony are useful predictors of positive educational outcomes among students. Suggestions to achieve the most out of group activities both as a teaching and an assessment method are provided. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n3p35