Free-riding in Group Work - Mechanisms and Countermeasures

Abstract

Studies have shown that group work offers great possibilities for deeper learning compared to some more traditional teaching formats [1], but it can also lead to some new problems such as free-riding. Different aspects of group psychology and behaviour as well as impropriate group sizes can be used to explain why and how free-riding develops in groups. With careful course planning teachers can seriously discourage students from free-riding. Especially the grading system should be carefully chosen not to promote free-riding but to stimulate deeper learning.