A token system for incentivising equal contributions in group work

Abstract Teamwork is an essential skill for STEM students, but ensuring equitable workload distribution remains a challenge. We propose a token-based method to incentivise equal work sharing. Each team of size N receives 2 N +1 tokens, which students openly discuss how to divide amongst their teammates. Two tokens result in a full grade, while three tokens earn a bonus. This system is implemented in small, frequent team assignments, promoting immediate peer feedback for underperforming teammates. The ability to bank bonus tokens ahead of time also allows flexibility for students who have illnesses or emergencies. The token system was piloted with university undergraduates in an introductory engineering and an upper-level physics course, with surveys conducted at the 16-week semester’s start and end. Results showed that students’ perceptions of group work improved, teams using the token system had more equitable contributions compared to a control group, and students had mostly positive comments about the token system. A few students pointed out some deficiencies, especially social pressure to not penalise underperforming students. Based on survey data and the authors’ experience, we offer the following recommendations for instructors: provide in-class time for token discussions even if the assignments are submitted outside of class, be prepared to mediate conflicts, monitor groups for the social pressure to avoid penalties, set a semester cap of 100% for token points to avoid work hoarding, and be careful when using the system with continually reshuffled teams. Overall though, the token system successfully promotes equitable contributions to team assignments.