EFFECTS OF GROUP GRADING ON COOPERATION AND ACHIEVEMENT IN 2 4TH-GRADE MATH CLASSES

This article describes 2 studies I conducted with my fourth-grade students. I used group grading in an effort to increase cooperation among group members and the mathematics test scores of low achievers in work groups of 3-5 members. The tests included 4 quizzes and 1 chapter test involving fractions. Because students in the 2 studies differed in attitude, results were inconsistent. Many students in the first study enjoyed working in groups and helping each other. Students in the second study on the whole did not enjoy group work and preferred an individual grade. Group grading was more effective with students who enjoyed working in groups and who accepted this method of assessment.