Abstract
Collaborative learning is considered to be an effective learning
method. In principle, it promotes two key conditions for effective
learning, namely good (social) control of metacognition and internal
regulation of learning behaviour. Both require healthy social
interaction in addition to good cognitive engagement. This social
interaction and cognitive engagement cannot be imposed on groups, but
can be fostered, among other factors, by individual accountability.
Group self-assessment can help to achieve this. We have developed a
group self-assessment procedure and shown in a previous study that it
steers students towards internal regulation of behaviour (autonomous
motivation). As we use the procedure in many collaborative projects, the
question is whether students accept it and whether it has the intended
effect on the group work experience. An acceptance survey was developed
for this purpose. Students’ responses indicate that they find the
self-assessment procedure convenient, that the assessments are fair,
that it improves the collaborative experience and strengthens group
beliefs.