Gateway Science Workshop Program

Developing an Instrument to Characterize Groups in Collaborative Learning Environments

In this project, we sought to

• identify the key differences among small peer-led learning groups that are likely to affect student outcomes
• develop a method by which such groups can be systematically evaluated

The project had two phases: a qualitative research phase, which led to development of a theoretical model of group differences, and a quantitative phase, which led to development and validation of a group-assessment instrument based on this model.

Pazos, P., Micari, M., & Light, G. (2010).  Developing an instrument to characterize peer-led groups in collaborative learning environments: Assessing problem-solving approach and group interaction.  Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 35(2), 191-208.

Developing an Instrument to Characterize Groups in Collaborative Learning Environments

This project aims to (1) describe the critical aspects differentiating peer-led problem-solving groups in the STEM disciplines, and (2) develop and validate an instrument to evaluate small peer-led learning groups based on those critical aspects. The study was conducted in a small-group workshop program, the Gateway Science Workshop (GSW) program at Northwestern University.

The project had two phases: a qualitative research phase, which led to development of a theoretical model of group differences, and a quantitative phase, which led to development and validation of a group-assessment instrument based on this model. We further provide evidence of a factor structure consisting of these two dimensions using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Model of Group Differences