5 strategies to manage your group assignment

Practical strategies to manage the challenges of working in a group can spell success for your next group project or assignment... by Sebastian Borutta

Do you dread working on a group assignment?  Are you sick of group members dropping off the radar, and having to carry the group across the line?  Research into attitudes towards group work among undergraduate students would suggest that you are not alone.  One study revealed that more than half of undergraduate students surveyed had a negative attitude towards group work, with around 40% stating that they would rather work alone[i].

According to the study, the most significant factors that contributed towards negative attitudes were difficulty coordinating schedules and “free riders” in the group, followed by members not contributing equally and differing grade expectations[ii].

Why have group assignments at all?

Unsurprisingly, the ability to work in a group is an increasingly important skill required by employers; therefore, students who have experience working in groups are better prepared for the collaborative nature of work in their future careers.[i]  Consequently, as a student it is useful to develop strategies to effectively work in a group setting. 

So how can we try to manage these challenges?

The following five-part plan will offer prompts to consider for when you embark on your next group task.

1.  Group formation and expectations

• If given the choice, select group members who you can work with effectively. Friends are not necessarily the best option.
• Develop ground rules to guide your group’s behaviour and activities.
• Assign roles based on members’ strengths and weaknesses.
• Ensure that all members are involved in initial planning discussions. Members who feel that their voice is heard during these discussions are less likely to disengage from the group.
• Ensure members have compatible availability, or options to maintain regular contact with the group.
• Set goals such as grade expectations early, and together as a group.

2.  Scheduling and meetings

• Organise regular meeting times from the beginning of the task, including expected outcomes for each meeting.
• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face VS online meetings when deciding on meeting format.
• Record decisions made, and the allocation and progress of tasks.

3.  Division of work

• Before dividing work, ensure that the group has a clear understanding of the task, and all the associated work involved in the task’s completion.
• Determine an equitable method of dividing work.
• If this is difficult or not immediately obvious, share initial tasks and then divide the workload. For example, share the initial research stage of a task and then divide up the written component once you have a better idea of task expectations.

4.  Communication

• Be polite and respectful when communicating with each other.
• Ensure team members listen carefully, and with an open mind to each other’s suggestions.
• Be aware of your non-verbal communication when engaging with the group.
• When giving feedback, also focus on positive aspects rather than only negative aspects.
• Don’t take constructive feedback personally.

5.  Dealing with conflict

• Problems usually arise due to group dynamics or task progression.
• If conflict arises, as a group, clearly identify the problem.
• Consider solutions to address the problem, allowing specific and constructive discussion.
• Focus discussion on ideas rather than individuals.
• As a group, make necessary changes and revise initial plans.

Group work can be challenging and rewarding, both in an educational setting and in the workplace. Through planning and by anticipating and managing potential challenges, you can help your group work experience be a more positive one.

For more information on group work, or any other aspects of your approach to learning, take a look at the Library’s online resources, meet with a learning skills adviser at a drop-in session, or attend a workshop.

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[i] Gottschall, H. & Garcia-Bayonas, M. (2008). Student attitudes towards group work among undergraduates in Business Administration, Education and Mathematics. Educational Research Quarterly, 32(1), 2-28.

[ii] ibid

[iii) Hansen R. (2006) Benefits and problems with student teams: Suggestions for improving team projects. The Journal of Education for Business, 82(1), 9-11.

 

 

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