Alternative Modes of Study Group Formation and Student Examination Performance

Abstract

The nature of group activities is an important part of the workplace and consequently the educational process that prepares students for employment. This study’s analyses compare individual student exam performance according to alternative means of study group formation. Several analyses of variance designs examine group formation effects on student performance while controlling for cumulative grade point averages, gender and particular tests. The findings indicate that student performance is higher in groups which are formed by student choice as contrasted with student performance in groups assigned from a pool, or the performance of those students who elect not to be in a group. The results indicate that groups may help weaker students.