Abstract
Assessment is an essential curricular component despite being often seen only as a performance metric resource. However, its full potential can be harnessed if it is used as a formative instrument. The present study evaluated the benefits of combining individual and group assessments. Students' perceptions of this type of strategy, assessed through a Likert scale questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, showed that students acknowledge the benefits of this procedure. We then carried out a dual assessment in an active learning environment. Students were given individual written tests and completed the same test immediately after, but now in a group. The average group scores were higher than the average individual scores, even for students who scored the highest within a group. Put together, these results indicate combining individual and group assessments can be an effective teaching tool in addition to simply measuring student performance.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.