Monday, June 13, 2011

The dreaded group project

        Working in groups is a nightmare. In my experience, 1 person (usually me) ends up doing all of the work while the rest of the group slaps their name on the project right before it's handed in. In group projects everyone has their own idea of how it should go, and in college everyone is so busy that there's never any convenient time meet outside of class and work on the project. Usually the trouble starts right away. Picking groups in class can be like choosing teams for dodge ball in gym, with everyone nervously looking around trying to link up and not be the awkward last pick.
       
         Working in a group with Donna and Lynda has really been a breath of fresh air. We just kind of looked at each other and decided right away it would be a good group. I think we were right. Together we have researched and compiled a powerpoint on recommendation reports. It it not an area of expertise for any of us, but because we were all willing to put in an equal amount of hard work, and communicate effectively the work seemed 10x easier. I didn't feel the usual pressure that our group's grade depended on me. We all worked together to read, compiled what information we found most important, and divided it up so that we are all speaking for equal time during the presentation.

I think that this project has really made me less apprehensive of group work and has showed me that in a good group everyone is willing to step up and take on responsibilities. I am happy with my group and the work that we have done.

1 comment:

  1. group work always felt like dodgeball team in gym class to me as well. what specifically happened in your group this time that made it less stressful and more productive for you? how can you take what you learned here and apply it in future groups where there is tension?

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