‘free-riding’ is i.e. not or hardly contributing to a group assignment.
Free riders are individuals who decide not to participate in cooperative learning group activities (which often lowers the group’s morale, productivity, and effectiveness) and benefit from other students work.
PREVENTING FREE RIDING AS A STUDENT
For example by:
- At the beginning of the project clearly discussing and registering the distribution of tasks;
- Having, on a regular basis, group meetings to discuss the progress (the distribution of tasks should always be a subject in these meetings) and making notes of this group meetings so points of discussion are visible.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OR SANCTIONS OF FREE-RIDING BEHAVIOUR?
- You will not develop sufficient skills to be able to finish your individual assignments;
- You risk receiving a lower grade than your group members;
- The examiner can report the profiting as possible fraud to the Examination Board;
- The examiner can provide you with a new or complementary assignment, this can also be (part of) the sanction of the Examination Board.
IF YOU NOTICE FREE-RIDING WITHIN YOUR PROJECT GROUP, WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
- Discuss this matter in a meeting of the project group and use your own skills and knowledge about giving and receiving feedback;
- Confront each other with the registered distribution of tasks and the possible lack of collaboration;
- If no improvement occurs please contact the examiner of the module part in time.
PLEASE NOTE!
Free-riding also happens outside of your study activities. It is very important that you inform the group or project members regarding this matter. This may not be easy, but it is a skill that you will need the rest of your working life.
For more information about academic misconduct please see the Rules & Guidelines Examination Boards BMS.