Group Project Horror Stories — And How to Avoid Them
Aug 29, 2023
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Students share their group project horror stories and a teaching expert provides advice on avoiding such scenarios. The podcast discusses challenges in group projects, including poor coordination and unequal contributions. It emphasizes the importance of selecting group members wisely and grading both process and substance. A successful group project with real stakes and impact is highlighted, along with the need for a more positive approach to group projects.
Design group projects that require true collaboration and cannot be done individually to prevent unequal contributions and improve group dynamics.
Focus on real-world impact and provide structure, guidance, and communication skills to enhance student motivation and engagement.
Regular check-ins, effective communication, and open dialogue can resolve issues and promote a healthy group dynamic.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Group Projects
Group projects can often go wrong, leading to frustration and disappointment. Students have horror stories about uncooperative teammates, unequal contributions, and last-minute failures. Instructors often rely on outdated methods and fail to provide effective guidance for successful group work. It's important to address these issues and improve the experience of group projects.
Teaching Expert's Advice
John Warner, a teaching expert and writing instructor, emphasizes the need to design group projects that require true collaboration and cannot be done individually. Creating structure, teaching communication and planning skills, and setting regular check-ins can prevent unequal contributions and improve group dynamics. Instructors should actively monitor group progress and provide necessary guidance for a successful outcome.
The Impact of Real Stakes
Group projects with real-world impact and tangible outcomes can enhance student motivation and engagement. When students have a sense of purpose and passion for a project, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and overcome challenges. Projects that go beyond grades and have value outside the classroom can foster teamwork and provide valuable learning experiences.
Failures of Coordination and Communication
Many group project failures stem from poor coordination and communication among team members. Lack of coordination can lead to unequal contributions, missed deadlines, and frustration. Instructors should encourage effective communication and provide guidelines for group structure, decision-making, and accountability. Regular check-ins and open dialogue can help resolve issues and promote a healthy group dynamic.
Creating Successful Group Projects
To improve the success of group projects, instructors should consider the following: focus on real-world impact, provide structure and guidance, teach communication and collaboration skills, monitor progress, encourage equal participation, and foster a sense of purpose and accountability. By implementing these strategies, group projects can become valuable learning experiences.
EdSurge recently took a microphone to a university campus and asked several students to share their group project horror stories. Every student we talked to had one. Then we ran them by a teaching expert to get his advice on how to avoid such scenarios.
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