|
Working
with Groups
At some point in your university career you will
most likely have to work in a group. Learning to work with others is
an important skill that you can take into your future career because
eventually in life you will have to work on a team with others that you
might not have chosen to work with. Working in a group lets you
practice your oral communication skill, negotiation, working with people
from diverse backgrounds, dealing with different opinions and work styles
and the art of compromise.
There are different types of group work, self formed study groups, self
formed project groups and assigned groups. Study groups are
especially helpful if you are an auditory learner, but just make sure that
you stay on task and get the most out of studying with others.
Tips for Getting
the Most out of Group Work:
·
Make sure everyone in the group understands
the task or assignment
·
Set up clear roles and responsibilities
·
Discuss expectations of group members
·
Be realistic when the group can meet and
where (this should be discussed if the group is self formed, it might not
be realistic for some members to meet at certain times and this is better
to know before the group is formed)
·
Set up guidelines and deadlines
·
Encourage everyone to put forth their ideas
and opinions without being judged
·
Encourage creative problem solving, this
helps develop insightful unique opinions and approaches
·
Make sure there are specific goals and
agendas for meetings
·
Group members should provide updates on what
they are completing.
For more information please see
the following websites:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/fli/campus/grpwork.pdf
http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/mentorship/guides/group.php
|
