Group Projects

Some people works very efficiently while working with others and some may be do better work by themselves. Everyone has been in the situation during their academic career where they had to work in a group for a specific project.  When it comes to group projects I’m very controversial on my opinion. It all depends on the class subject, the topic of the project, as well at the material that is required to get done on rather I will do better working alone or with others.

During group projects your group is more like a team. Everyone should play a part in a group project and everyone must contribute to the work. In class, while discussing our groups, it was mentioned that in each group formed there is normally a leader; someone must take charge in a way and figure out an order the group shall work in. Like I’ve mentioned everyone should play a part in a group project and contribute to the work but that doesn’t always work out as planned. Sometimes you will have those so called leaders or someone to keep the group under control and on task, often it will be a multiple effort involving each group member, but then sometimes you will have the members of a group that don’t do their share of the work.

I am normally not one to take charge of a group, but I always do my share but sometimes you will be in the situation where you have to take charge. You may end up in a group where everyone seems pretty neutral of doing work but isn’t as efficient as it can be if you have someone maintaining its order.  You have to step up and take control when needed. Leaders should not be demanding or feel like they can boss you around because if so than many will not take them seriously or refuse to do as they say. My point here is not to tell you to be leaders of your group though, my point is to express the thought of the people who believe they can slack in group work and allow the assertive workers to do the majority of it for the group. It is extremely common to have a member or a few members rely on the rest of the group to do all the work and then everyone gets credit for it. Don’t let yourself get into this situation.

While choosing groups for a project, choose wisely. Pick people you believe will work efficiently and carry their weight. Group projects or simply working with others isn’t always easy but don’t let it be easy for others and hard for yourself.