Nursing Students' Perceptions of Peer Evaluation in Group Work at Bethlehem University, Palestine

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.13169/bethunivj.38.2021.0150
• Published date: 01 January 2021
• Date: 01 January 2021
• Pages: 150-171
• Author: Hananحنان Saca-Hazbounالسقا-حزبون,Amalأمل Abu-Nijmehأبو نجمة,Etafعطاف Maqboulمقبول

150 Bethlehem University Journal 38 (2021)

Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Peer Evaluation

in Group Work at Bethlehem University, Palestine

Hanan Saca-Hazboun1*, Amal Abu-Nijmeh2*, Etaf Maqboul3*

1Assistant professor, Faculty of Nursing and Health Science, Bethlehem Univer-

sity, Palestine

2Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing and Health Science, Bethlehem University, Palestine

3Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing and Health Science, Bethlehem University, Palestine

* All authors contributed equally.

Corresponding Author:

Hanan Saca-Hazboun, PhD

Faculty of Nursing and Health Science, Bethlehem University,

Palestine

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of peer evaluation

(PE) in group work (GW) among nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing and

Health Sciences, Bethlehem University, Palestine in spring 2016. While previ-

ous studies have examined the importance of PE in GW in a variety of disci-

plines in higher education, researchers have not paid much attention to PE in the

assessment of nursing students in Palestine. A qualitative approach was used on

a sample population of third- and fourth-year nursing students (n = 70) at Beth-

lehem University who had participated in PE in previous courses at least three

times. Results revealed that participation in GW promoted the students’ leader-

ship skills, team spirit, self-condence, and respect for others, while signicantly

contributing to their professional growth. The results also highlighted challenges

to GW such as distributing assignments to groups and providing clear specica-

tions for the group leader’s role. Results also showed that the main challenges

151

Bethlehem University Journal 38 (2021)

facing PE were the lack of objectivity, fairness, anonymity, and clear evaluation

criteria, as well as the limiteditems in the evaluation forms. The study recom-

mended the development of a faculty handbook containing guidelines for GW

and PE, conducting training sessions for students, and encouraging all faculty

members to use GW and PE routinely in their teaching practices.

Key words: Peer evaluation, Group work , Undergraduate students, Nursing, Palestine,

Bethlehem University

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article do not represent the

opinions of the Journal’s editorial board and staff of the Dean of Research at Bethlehem

University. The accuracy of the material and any errors in this publication are the sole

responsibility of the author.