In Class: Group Work

Alright, so I have been in both good and bad groups. When I've been in a bad group, there's always at least one person who doesn't show up to the group meetings. That person is usually also the person that is completely slacking on the work, making the rest of the group wonder if they have to start divvying up that person's share of the work. And then, in a couple of groups, there is always the person who doesn't like your ideas or your work. You have to convince them that what you have done is correct and will fit in with the rest of the group. I try my hardest to not have to work in groups because it just seems easier to do what needs to be done yourself and get graded on your work alone. It drives me crazy when a teacher says that the entire group will get the same grade. In no way is that fair. It should always rely on if all the group members were actually working on the project.

The ideal group work situation would be one in which everyone was working. The group would also have good communication skills so that everyone is aware of the common goal. When having a group meeting, everyone would show up with all the necessary materials that they have acquired so the time can be spent talking about the topic and putting the materials together that the group believes will work the best for their argument.

Within a group there are many different roles. Everyone needs to do research and find materials for the group to work with. There also needs to be someone who is in charge will set meeting times and make sure everyone knows what work is to be completed and brought to the next group meeting. There also needs to be someone who is willing to take notes and sort the ideas that the group members are coming up with. Then there also needs to be the person that will put the project together in its final form. The group itself needs to be flexible and understand that everyone needs to be putting in time and making sure that the group is successful.