A valuable learning experience or frustrating waste of time? A study on students’ group work perceptions in Aalto University School of Business

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

School of Business | Master's thesis
Ask about the availability of the thesis by sending email to the Aalto University Learning Centre oppimiskeskus@aalto.fi

Authors

Date

2018

Department

Johtamisen laitos

Major/Subject

Mcode

Degree programme

Management and International Business (MIB)

Language

en

Pages

92

Series

Abstract

This master’s thesis examines students’ group work perceptions in Aalto University School of Business as they were in fall 2017. Group work is used widely in the School of Business as a grading component on courses. In addition, the School encourages its students to participate in collaborative activities outside course setting. Previous research, however, is not unanimous on benefits brought along by group work, instead, problems can be expected to occur as well. Relying on previous research on group work’s positive and negative outcomes an online survey was conducted consisting of closed- and open-ended questions. The survey was published in a Facebook group popular among the student body and received 139 responses in total. A basic quantitative analysis was performed for data form closed questions whereas qualitative data from open questions was coded into themes to allow a simple quantitative analysis. Main findings from the study suggest that students’ group work perceptions are a bit closer to positive than to negative, however, extreme positive and negative perceptions were found as well. Negative perceptions were specifically caused by unequal distribution of work and effort, unfair grading and dysfunctional groups where motivation levels differ between group members, whereas positive perceptions were induced by the opportunity to learn more and from peers. Group work was also deemed important for students’ future career. This study also revealed that students with accumulated experience from group work have more positive perceptions than less experienced students. Additionally, it was found that by participating in group work the students have gained the skills that the School wishes them to, but other skills were mentioned too. Findings further suggest that group work practices and ways to implement them, as well as the amount of group work projects and pedagogical objectives behind group work, could benefit from re-evaluation done by the School of Business.

Description

Thesis advisor

Mattila, Jukka

Keywords

group work, student perceptions, group work implementation, benefits from group work, problems from group work

Other note

Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201806012897

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[gradu] Kauppakorkeakoulu / BIZ