This is an activity which could either get people to hate
each other or it could build stronger and better relationships. Working on group
projects takes a lot of tact, patients, diplomacy, mutual understanding and respect.
If anybody in the group does not have any of these attributes then the project is
doomed.
The advice I would give t group people working on group
projects are:
Always have common courtesy.
Bad personalities and attitudes must never be brought into
the group.
Identify the objective and keep focused on them.
Ensure your tasks are completed on time.
Respect each other’s opinion and always be open to
suggestions.
Give everyone a chance to be heard and voice their concerns.
Be fair on each other and keep everyone informed of your
progress.
In my research this is what Mark Burns had to say about
working in groups:
In the several years I have used small group techniques of
instruction, many students have made suggestions to me regarding how to improve
the work of such student groups. Here are some of the key points they have
stressed concerning how to mount a successful team effort and how, as an
individual, to relate to the work of a group.
General Points
Trite as it may seem, one of the most important points of
basic behavior in a group is common courtesy. Don't be afraid to speak up, but
be sure to allow your fellow students time to speak. If someone expresses what
you feel is a "stupid" opinion, try to criticize it constructively
rather than putting down the person.
Cooperation is also a key factor in teamwork. Don't hesitate
to try to improve the work of your group by making suggestions, but don't
needlessly obstruct for the sake of obstruction.
Keep me informed about what your group is doing. If you want
advice later, I can probably advise you better if I have some idea what you
were doing in the first place.
Groups are multi-purpose. Not only can you use them for
doing the required team projects, but also you can use them for such purposes
as joint study, note-taking for absent members and even recreation.
Coordination
Successful team efforts are most often achieved by thorough
coordination. Organize you work as a group, and as individuals, as carefully as
possible.
If you set deadlines for completing work, set them before
you really need the work and try your best to achieve them anyway. If you
succeed, you've got your work done early and have extra time to use for other
purposes. If you don't make the deadline, you still have a little time left to
finish.
The Moderator
Choose your moderator with care. Pick someone because he/she
will best help your group get the job done, not just because he/she is your
friend or roommate.
Group members should never expect the moderator to do all
the work of the group, or even the majority of it; nor should the moderator
deliberately monopolize group work. Rather, the moderator should coordinate the
individual efforts of group members to produce a coherent project.
The moderator should be careful to insure that each member
understands what he/she is to do on a project. Don't just assume "everyone
understands." Often, "everyone" does not.
The moderator should not ignore group members who seem to be
having difficulty completing their assigned task. Rather, he/she should assign
other group members to assist them or should directly assist them.
The moderator should consult me if serious problems appear
to be jeopardizing the work of the group.
Evaluations
The evaluation process should be used constructively and
critically. It is not the time for personal or ideological grievances to take
over; nor is it the time to favor those you like. Imagine how you would feel if
another student evaluated you based on such features.
At any time during the course, students may consult me to
determine their evaluation averages. I will not discuss how any individual
evaluated another or what evaluation a fellow student received.
Gripes, Fears, Tears, etc.
If you, as an individual, fear serious problems are
occurring in your group for you or for the group as a whole, talk with your
moderator first. If he/she cannot or will not solve the problem, either try to
persuade the moderator to see me or see me yourself.
If you do decide to see me, do so as soon as possible.
Waiting to complain about problems in your group until after the course is
over, or even mostly completed, is not appropriate.
A Final Note
Remember, what happens in your group is often similar to
what occurs in a real civic, administrative, or political group. Problems such
as coordination, division of work, leadership, disagreement, voting, dissent
and even evaluation all have their counterparts in events which you will
encounter life in your life. How you handle these issues now will give you
ideas for constructive participation in the "real thing."