Monitoring sheet-solution to overcome free-riding in collaborative learning in writing class

Abstract

It cannot be denied that collaborative learning is regarded as a common approach in foreign language acquisition. However, it might be challenging to encourage all group members to equally and actively get involved in all group discussions and assignments. Therefore, this research proposes the application of monitoring sheet to deal with the problem of free-riding in collaborative activities in writing classes (when there are members hardly participating in group work). The research context was carried out in writing class of Business English majors at National Economics University. To begin with, the researcher clarified the integration of group work attached with its great advantages in teaching writing. Also, the arising phenomenon happening when group members not getting actively involved in the mutual tasks was emphasized. The evaluation methods for the innovation were comprised of interview, documentary analysis, observation and diaries which were developed with qualitative data. Responses from students in a writing class revealed that monitoring sheet should be considered as a solution to motivate students to work more interactively and make them feel more responsible for the mutual assignments.