Group Work…but on a scholarly note!
03 Nov 2010 3 Comments
Ok so while I know Marlen wants me to have as much fun as possible with this, I would be remiss If I didn’t present at least one scholarly blog to reinforce academic collaboration inside and outside the classroom. So, as a recap we have already discussed time management and deadlines right? Ok well lets move on to something a little more deeper. This blog will talk about how you can standout as a separate entity while still being in a group. This seems to be the task that is most abstract. Most people can not find the equal medium between standing out and just completely disregarding the group as a whole. The key is to not only make sure your work is accurate but to also assist your group members. It is very great if you know the material very well but it really bears no relevance if this is a group effort. Try using phrases like “Hey Jill, I saw that you were struggling with that would you like some pointers?”…or “Hey Jack! I know almost everything there is to know about the French-Indian War {or whatever the topic is}…want to go discuss it over coffee?” It is perfectly ok to split the group up according to people who are good at certain things because that means that everyone can have an equal opportunity to get help if need be.
If a group is able to work together and help each other this cuts down on conflicts that can arise in a group setting. Avoid unneccessary conflicts at all cost. The worst thing to do is be at the throat of someone who you need in order to get a good grade. It’s just bad for business. Randy Pausch at Carnegie Mellon states in his lecture to check your egos at the door…when you discuss ideas, immediately label them and write them down. The labels should be descriptive of the idea, not the originator: “the troll bridge story,” not “Jane’s story” (Building Virtual Worlds, 1998). Remember {and trust me I know it sounds cliché’} you are truly only as strong as your weakest team player so instead of putting them down and calling them a slacker why don’t you lend a helping hand.
Divide and Conquer!
28 Oct 2010 15 Comments
So why exactly is it so hard to work in a group? One of the main concerns in group work is the burden of having that one leader who tends to do all the work while the others just follow. I have personally gone through this and this can be very annoying and sometimes discouraging. So for all you overachievers here’s some relief. When the group is first assembled, the main thing to do is assign everyone a job. Whether a secretary, note-taker,designated e-mailer, or the person to buy the coffee and doughnuts; just make sure everyone has a job! This gives everyone an equal opportunity to excel and also feel like they are contributing to the cause. The next step would be to become acquainted with your colleagues. Before you start work start out with a icebreaker to deter awkward silences, once everyone is comfortable than you can proceed with business. The next step is to set up times outside of the classroom to meet. Many times you will find that meeting up at the local coffee-house is far more comfortable than a library or a classroom. The secretary or the e-mailer can make sure that everyone has the meeting times and locations. As you can see there are a ton of things to do before the actual work. However, following these steps will ensure a very smooth running group.
So are you feeling a little better? No?…ok lets proceed. One of the most leading causes of failure of group work is deadlines. Trust me, the absolute worst feeling about being in a group is pulling an “all-nighter”with your portion and your team member shows up with nothing! The best thing to do is not wait until the last-minute to get all of the components of the project together. Even though the teacher issues a deadline, the group should issue a deadline as well. This gives the secretary a chance to proofread, put together, or just staple all of the papers together. Whatever the case may be just make sure the finish product is together in a good enough time before the due date. 2-3 days prior is acceptable. Learning how to meet deadlines will help improve time management skills and also your performance on due date.
Take a look at these two short videos which will basically reiterate my points.
Time stealers: Facebook, email, cell phone…etc…<—-stay away from them when trying to complete your work!
Welcome!
05 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
Welcome to my blog, The American Experience!
In this blog I will discuss the importance of academic collaboration inside and outside of the classroom. I feel that academic collaboration is one of those important things that people just HATE doing. It is my goal to give some useful insight on how to work in groups, collaborate smoothly but also stand out as an individual. Feel free to comment and even share your personal insight on any of my blogs! Your feedback is important! For now just as a little ice breaker and to loosen up the mood a little bit check out these informative videos about the concerns of academic collaboration in a class.
