This paper reviews some of the literature on the use of groupwork as a form of
assessment in tertiary institutions. It outlines the considerable advantages of groupwork but
also its systemic associated problems. In discussing the problems, the paper considers
issues such as ‘‘free riding’’ and the ‘‘sucker effect’’, issues associated with ethnic mix in
groups, and the social dilemma problem—in which students face conflicting demands
between altruism and self-interest. The paper then outlines several models of effective
groupwork and makes suggestions for implementing groupwork tasks. The paper also
looks at the key assessment tasks which are commonly employed—namely, additive,
conjunctive, disjunctive and discretionary tasks—and assesses which are most suited to
groupwork. The paper considers the related issues of task complexity, recognition for
effort, and strategies for minimising issues concerning group size. The paper also briefly
considers strategies for implementing incentives for groupwork members, and outlines the
issue of penalties for unproductive group members. The paper concludes by providing
recommendations for how to maximise the advantages of groupwork while trying to
minimise the disadvantages.