Task Splitting

Task splitting is a form of assessment used to discourage social loafing. Task

splitting involves assigning each member of a group a specific task that they
are required to complete. Marks are then distributed to each individual group
member based on their individual work of a specific task as opposed to one
group mark.

Advantages of Task Splitting

- Marks more accurately reflect the differences in contribution of each group
member
- Decreases the likeliness of social loafing
- Encourages group members to actively participate in the learning process
-

Individual grade may provide additional incentive for group member to

work harder individually instead of relying on others to do the work

Students individual grades are not affected by others that didnt complete
their work

Everyone has a specific role and feels included in the group process

Disadvantages of Task Splitting

- Some tasks may not require as much work as other tasks
- Students may be left with a task with which they lack the required skills
-

May reduce collaboration within a group

May limit opportunities for growth in areas that a student may not perform
as strongly in. For example, if a student is good at writing essays, they will
most likely always be asked to write the essay portion of the group project.

Therefore, they may never have the opportunity to improve in other aspects
of group work such as, oral presentations, etc.

Integrating Task Splitting in an Elementary Classroom

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Random assignment of tasks that have been created by the teacher

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Ex: picking popsicle sticks out of a jar

Ex: rolling a dice to decide what job you are assigned

Students volunteer for specific tasks

Nomination slips
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Ex: students can nominate their group members who they

feel would do a good job at a task

Integrating Task Splitting in a High School Classroom

*Please note that any of the methods used above for elementary school
application can also be adapted for a high school classroom.
Other methods may include:
-

Job Application
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Students create a resume outlining their skills and

qualifications for a task that they want to be in charge of, and the
teacher, whom functions as the employer, reviews the students
resumes and assigns tasks accordingly.
-

Skills Inventory
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Teacher creates a skills inventory sheet outlining the skills

that will be important in completing the group project. Students rate

their skill level on a 1-4 scale (with 1=poor, and 4=above
exceptional), groups are then made based on compatibility. (template
available on Resource page)