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How to Not Lose It with Group Projects

How to Not Lose It with Group Projects
10/5/2015
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Erica Lewis

Oh, yes, group projects. When it comes to group projects, you either love 'em or hate 'em. There's really no in-between. So how do you keep your cool when you can't stand your partners or the project itself?

  • Divide the work evenly. Don't let one person do all the work and then have the other names attached to the project. Although the load may be carried more heavily by one person, it's important to make sure that everyone plays an important role and is kept up to date. This is crucial if you're doing a group presentation and not simply submitting the project.
  • Make use of in-class work time. Many professors will give groups time in class to work on their projects. There may not be enough time to accomplish everything during this period, but it can help everyone figure out their individual tasks so you don’t have to do more work than necessary. It's also a great time to ask questions if you are unsure about any instructions or requirements.
  • Set deadlines even if they aren't assigned. The project isn't due until the end of the semester, so you can put it off, right? Wrong. However tempting it may be to procrastinate, it is better to set deadlines for your group even if the professor hasn’t assigned them. Schedule a meeting with all the group members and hold everyone accountable for their job. It just makes things easier in the long run.
  • Group projects don't have to be a daunting task, and neither does paying for school. Make sure to keep checking out your scholarship opportunities.

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Comments (3)
Minnie M. 10/11/2015
Group projects can be very challenging. In my case, in groups of 7 or less had at least 4 lazy people who expressed that painting nails and listening to music trumped the project. Two of our people were senoirs so a bad grade would not be good for their G.P.A. and getting scholarships. The teacher just demanded the project be completed and all are to blame. It was not fair to us but 4 of the seven did everything. There has to be a better teaching method than forgiving the lazy!
Britney F. 10/7/2015
Group projects can be very hard, especially when you have lazy people in your group, or even bossy and controlling peers. Personally, I was the lazy one who didn't want to do anything, but I also cared about my grades. When I moved up info high school that all changed. I became the one in charge and I cared about other students' opinions on the project. To cope with group projects, you just have to give respect to earn respect. Always ask how other group members feel about this or that dealing with the project. Be sure to be outspoken and use critical thinking, so that you will be successful.
Johari R. 10/6/2015
I am he type of person who has to be in control so the project won't be terrible and if it is then I don't mind taking the blame. I'm like this because in middle school, I let someone else take over and that was a bad idea. They did not follow directions and do the things we talked about. Teachers sometimes don't care who did what. They just see a hot mess and think it's everybody's fault. So my advice is, try to get everybody's opinion and ideas on what to put into the project. Make sure you know what to do. Be creative and don't be bossy. This is a team effort.
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