Groupwork
Most modules now include some form of group work and there are reasons for this;
- Group work mirrors the workplace situation where there is usually teamwork.
- There may be varied and complex tasks beyond the capacity of a single individual.
- You will also learn the common skills involved in functioning efficiently as a team member.
- A group work setting usually allows the university to set a problem that is interesting, challenging and relevant to the real world.
- It is also easier to supervise small groups rather than a large number of individuals.
- Group work gives opportunities for you to develop investigative (research), reporting and presentational skills whilst being supported by your group. This can provide useful experience for the final year project and builds your confidence.
Problems??
But what if there are problems with the group?
- Students are often highly individualistic with different ways of working.
- Some group members may have stronger personalities than others in the group and this may lead to imbalance.
However everyone has strengths and weaknesses and the group should learn how to use these effectively allowing all group members to participate.
It is often a good idea at the start of an assignment to develop a clear idea of what each individual has to contribute. Develop a programme for group meetings, achievement targets and collation of results in a report. If it helps assign someone as Group Co-ordinator.
It may help if you look at the way in which a 'team' functions and the different role-styles of the group members. Play to your strengths!
If one part of the assignment is difficult, use the whole group to brainstorm that idea.
If the group contains a 'sleeper'
- who does not do anything you may find yourself doing his/her work to complete the assignment - but explain the situation to your lecturer. Your group may be able to complete a peer assessment form
- that will assist the lecturer on allocation of grades, but remember that you will be marked for the way you supported the team and not just for your bit on the assignment.
If by the end of the assignment you have not achieved all you have set out to do this will not necessarily mean that your piece of work is not valid. Explain the difficulties and suggest a course of action for attacking the problem.
Be positive - People often learn by trying
Do you want to tell us about it?
Often there are problems caused by group work that you would like to tell us about.
Contact an Academic Advisor:
Chester Road Sunderland, SR1 3SD Tel: 0191 515 3030
