Conclusion
This paper has reviewed some the key literature on the use of groupwork as a form of
assessment in tertiary institutions. The focus has been on some of the problems and issues
associated with groupwork and suggested solutions. It will be clear from the paper that
groupwork tasks are more complex than they may initially seem. Certainly, effective
groupwork assessment tasks involve much more than simply setting an assignment
and asking students to ‘‘complete it as a group’’. However, while the area is complex, and
fraught with difficulties, overall it is an important and valuable form of assessment and
should be encouraged. A number of practical recommendations have been suggested. It is
hoped that the paper assists in understanding the key issues and giving staff practical ways
of overcoming them.