Developing Transferable Groupwork Skills for Engineering Students

Student assessment and the development of transferable personal skills are receiving increasing attention in higher education establishments. This study examined the potential for enhancing student learning through the development of groupwork, presentation and self- and peer-assessment skills on an industrial engineering undergraduate course. A methodology is described which indicates the approach adopted and a questionnaire evaluates students' impressions of the process. The overall conclusion to be drawn from the investigation is that skill development does take place and that students find groupwork an enjoyable learning experience. With regard to self- and peer-assessment, students were not as enthusiastic. Ultimately, there is a need to continue to involve students so that they can see evaluation in a positive, developmental light and to encourage students to take a more proactive role in assessing their performance.