Welcome to the middle of the semester. The time where stress is high, sleep is low and group projects are rampant. If that describes your life right now, you are not alone. Most Sinclair students are in the midst of group projects, hopefully expanding their education as well as their ability to work with others. But it always seems like more of a pain than a pleasure at first.
Ellen Sarkisian of the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University says working in groups is meant to “[allow] students with different backgrounds to bring their special knowledge, experience, or skills to a project, and to explain their orientation to others.”
“Group projects are intended to develop your leadership abilities while also providing an opportunity to show you are capable of working part as a team,” says Ashley Ritter of USA Today.
Somehow, they almost never seem like an opportunity for growth, rather an opportunity to lose your mind. Here are some ways to overcome that feeling and actually enjoy the journey:
Tip 1: Remember that it’s not most students first choice. Most college students like to feel like they are in control, so relinquishing it can feel like a disaster and that’s what happens in group projects. You’re all in the same boat together and the easier you make it, the faster you’ll be done. You will end up learning a thing or two.
There are some, however, who keep their eyes on one of the many bright sides. Cassie Kerns, a paralegal major and self-proclaimed lover of project management says, “I like the cooperation aspect…I get to learn and collect information from different sources and perspectives.”
Tip 2: Set the ground rules. Whether or not you are the project manager, make sure everyone knows what they need to do and when it is due.
Tip 3: Be patient with your groupmates. This may be their first time working in a group. Just be understanding with them while doing your part to maintain peace and productivity. You could make friends you never expected.
Tip 4: Be fair. Try not to talk over anyone else or make them feel small. Everyone has an ego and needs to be treated with respect and dignity. Make sure everyone not only gets to contribute, but that they get to do things that are within their talents. The group will be happier that way.
Sarkisian, who has authored the Center’s Getting Started guide for effective group work suggests that encouraging ideas through brainstorming is one of the best ways to let everyone contribute.
Tip 5: Respect others need for responsibility. Everyone has emotional needs and one of them is to feel valued and like they are a huge contributor to the project.
So when your instructors tell you to break up into groups, don’t fret. It may not seem fun at first, but it is a chance for you to grow as a leader, as a follower and as a collaborator. You’ll be glad you did it!
Meggan Lanahan
Reporter