Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Network: Enhancing Series: Internationalisation, November 2008 1 The Enhancing Series Case Studies: International Learning Experience Assessed Mixed Nationality Group Work at a UK University: Does it Get Results? Rachel Wicaksono York St John University Summary This two-phase mixed methods study explores the benefits and drawbacks of mixed nationality group work for students at York St John University (YSJU). The first phase surveys Business Management students on their experience of group work. I find that certain differences within groups are considered to be negative, including: culture (nationality), (lower) ‘proficiency’ in English, (lower) ability and (lower) motivation. None of these four differences are categorical variables, rather they are scales of belief, behaviour and achievement. I therefore conclude that intra-group difference per se may not explain a group work effect. Instead, I suggest that group outcomes are a result of members’ understanding and use of intra-group difference; their context, task and time-dependent perception of diversity. I predict that research into intra-group diversity will continue to produce inconsistent results. The second phase focuses on a threat to equity mentioned in phase one: different levels of intra-group academic achievement. I analyse individual and mixed nationality group marks from the same cohort of students. Regression of individual marks against group marks finds that the highest- achieving student contributes most to the performance of the group. Further tests show that low and average-achieving students are dragged up by mixed nationality group work, while the highest achieving student in the group is dragged down. I suggest that there is some evidence for an information- processing or ‘pooling’ benefit for most of the group, but not a sufficiently strong ‘synergy’ or ‘teaching effect’ to affect the marks of the best students. I conclude with some suggestions for changes to the organisation and assessment of group work.