Quantification of Factors Influencing Student Perceptions of Group Work

Abstract

This study quantifies the impact of various factors influencing the cohesiveness, learning experience and enjoyment of group work. Analysis is undertaken of 206 responses to a survey of students in a compulsory course for students taking a degree in actuarial science at the Australian National University. An ordered logit model is used to explicitly quantify the effect of various exogenous and endogenous factors on perceptions of group work. Whilst many students say that their expectations of group work are dependent on the students they work with, student perceptions of group work don’t tend to change even with a change in group composition. Rather students’ expectations on enjoyment of group work, and the role a student takes within a group has a much larger impact on group work experience. Comments are made on appropriate course and group structures to have the best chance for effective group work, especially given the importance that students expect to enjoy group work.