Tina & Faryl,
I use a peer evaluation and when I grade a group project/assignment, each person receives an individual grade. IF something seems "funny," I actually call each group member and ask them to explain why they submitted their evaluation. I do this peer evaluation about mid-project as well just to get a pulse on the activities in each group but this one does not affect their grade. Then, I can also contact group members who seem to not be working as a good team member and catch it early.
I do not include group projects in the courses I create. Unfortunately, there are some courses I teach (and did not design) that include group projects. I give every member of the group the same grade. In every group there will be members that participate at different levels. This is how it was in the two groups I was forced to participate with when a student. Nothing has changed.
Alexander,
I am an advocate for individual grades even with group projects. I use a peer evaluation to make it work.
