Dealing with Free-Riders in Assessed Group Work: Results from a Study at a UK University

Potential employers require graduates to be able to demonstrate competent teamwork skills in initiating ideas and solving problems cooperatively. Teamwork is prevalent in educational institutions and often included as a way of enriching learning and assessment. Whilst group working can provide a rich opportunity for cooperative learning, its assessment can be the cause of much anxiety amongst students. This paper examines the phenomenon of "free-riding" and explores methods of managing potential abuse. Six approaches were trialled in a UK university business school on modules of study involving assessed group work and the views of students and tutors analysed. Findings from the study indicate that students (like academics) value teamwork even when it is assessed. Any method to moderate "free-riding" is appreciated by students. (Contains 1 table.)