Sometimes you have to complete assignments as a group. This can be fun and the final assignment can be enhanced by different people’s skills and knowledge. However, group work can also be challenging.
Learning how to work together is an important part of your academic and professional life, so it makes sense to put effort into making the process as rewarding and hassle-free as possible.
Get to know each other
Before you begin working together, consider getting together for an informal meeting to get to know each other.
- What is everyone’s background?
- Is English their first language?
- Do they have academic or professional experience in the field you are studying?
- What do people think are their strengths and weaknesses?
Meetings and communication
Arrange regular meetings that suit everyone. Meetings can be in person, video calls or virtual meetings using Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. If you are distance students, establish a system of communication that suits everyone:
- a new group in WhatsApp, Teams, Discord or another social media platform
- group emails
- Google Docs that everyone can add to.
Forums and online communication
It might be appropriate to decide on a group leader or nominate someone to record the discussion and decisions made in each meeting. A group leader can be useful:
- to help the group stay focused and make sure everyone is participating.
- if disagreement or conflict arises.
Recording the discussion can be helpful so everyone understands what has been decided and who is doing what.
Understand your assignment and set a timeline
Make sure you all understand the assignment question, assignment command words, format and structure required and you all agree on how you'll answer.
The due date will determine the pace. Consider any other academic or personal commitments for the group and how often you need to meet or communicate each week. Leave enough time for revision and feedback on individual contributions to the group work.
Divide your workload and assign tasks
Be realistic about workload and pace. There's no point setting unrealistic goals within unachievable timeframes.
Divide the work fairly so everyone is happy with the division of labour. Ideally, you want to consider people’s strengths and skills and match these with tasks.
Think about how you will make group members accountable. A team leader is often useful to get in touch with the slower group members. Consider assigning work in pairs so there's accountability to your group partner and the whole group.
Edit your group work
Revise your assignment before final submission – proofreading and editing may be the difference between a good grade and a poor grade.
Peer-review and edit each others' work. Ensure a continuity of voice across your assignment. Does it read like several people have written different parts or is it coherent?
Be kind to students whose first language is not English or whose strength is not written communication. Do not assume that someone is unknowledgeable if they make superficial grammar mistakes.
Consider submitting your assignment to the pre-reading service for an objective opinion on structure, focus, style and presentation.
Address issues and conflict
Learning to work as part of a team is an important life skill. However, sometimes issues and conflicts arise. Identify the cause of the issue or conflict whenever possible and take steps to address it. You are working to a deadline and conflict takes energy and time away from your assignment.
Common sources of conflict in group work are:
Someone is not pulling their weight or is not meeting agreed deadlines or goals
Someone is not pulling their weight or is not meeting agreed deadlines or goals
Ask if they have other commitments that are interfering with the group work.
- Is their workload more than expected?
- Do they feel their voice is not being heard?
- Does some of the work need to be assigned to someone else or do they need help?
- Do they understand what they need to do?
- Is a cultural difference or issue affecting their ability to complete their task?
A group meeting or a meeting with just the group leader to discuss grievances and clear the air may help.
Someone is being rude or certain personalities in the group clash
Someone is being rude or certain personalities in the group clash
It may be necessary to remind everyone of the importance of being respectful and polite. If possible, limit contact between the conflicting parties.
It is ok to send a private message or have a quiet word with someone you suspect is unhappy. They may want to talk or address a specific issue before the group falls behind.
Group members cannot agree or feel their voice is unheard
Group members cannot agree or feel their voice is unheard
Take care to avoid 'groupthink' – when differences of opinion are suppressed to avoid conflict. The advantage of group work is that it encourages different perspectives. It's important for all group members to feel safe and comfortable expressing their opinions. It may be necessary to politely remind group members of the importance of respect and that no idea is a bad idea!
As a group, accept that sometimes not all group members will be completely happy with group decisions. Voting on important decisions may mean resentment from people who 'lose' the vote. Unfortunately, this is a reality of life. We can’t always have things exactly how we want them.
Before a decision is made, discuss all options and alternatives so you base your decisions on reason – not emotion.
Someone refuses to contribute to group work at all or is unable to contribute
Someone refuses to contribute to group work at all or is unable to contribute
Occasionally, for whatever reason, a student does not engage at all with group work and you need to contact your lecturer about their refusal or inability to contribute.
If this is the case, make sure you have a clear record of meetings, communications, missed deadlines or commitments.
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