Enhancing Teamwork Assessment with BuddyCheck: Insights from the 2024–25 Review

As group work continues to play a vital role in developing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, Cardiff University has been exploring ways to make teamwork assessments more equitable and effective. One tool gaining traction is BuddyCheck, a peer evaluation platform designed to support fair and transparent group assessments. Following its expanded use in the 2024–25 academic year, a comprehensive review has captured feedback from over 1,000 students and 63 academic staff across 17 schools, and the results are encouraging.

What Staff and Students Are Saying

BuddyCheck received strong approval across the board:

• 74% of staff rated their experience as “good” or “excellent.”
• 86% of students found the platform user-friendly.
• 73% of students agreed that individualised scores made group assessments fairer.
• The average student satisfaction rating was 4.06 out of 5 stars.
• 55% of students reported a positive shift in their perception of teamwork assessments.

Key Benefits

1. Promoting Fairness and Accountability

BuddyCheck helps ensure that individual contributions are recognised, reducing the risk of “free-riding” and encouraging students to take ownership of their roles. Staff noted that the platform made it easier to identify underperformance and reward genuine effort, while students appreciated the fairness of receiving an individual score within a group project.

2. Boosting Engagement and Motivation
Knowing that peer feedback would influence their grade, many students reported increased motivation and participation. Staff observed improved collaboration and more constructive team dynamics, with BuddyCheck fostering a culture of reflection and responsibility.

3. Supporting Teaching Practice
Over a third of staff said BuddyCheck positively influenced their approach to group work. It reduced administrative burden, streamlined peer review processes, and gave educators greater confidence in managing teamwork assessments.

4. Enhancing Student Outcomes
Nearly half of staff observed improvements in student performance or satisfaction. Students themselves reported feeling more engaged and responsible, with many saying BuddyCheck made them more open to future teamwork assessments in general.

Looking Ahead

BuddyCheck has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing the quality and fairness of group assessments. With further refinement and institutional support, it can continue to empower students, support staff, and improve learning outcomes across Cardiff University.

If you’re considering using BuddyCheck in your module, now is a great time to explore its potential. Whether you’re looking to improve engagement, streamline assessment, or ensure fair grading, BuddyCheck offers a flexible and effective solution.

Learn more and get started on the BuddyCheck intranet page, or dive straight into the BuddyCheck Staff Guidance to start using BuddyCheck.