Key Steps to Successful Group Work

• Get organized – Discuss all components of the assignment and prioritize what you should work on first.
  • Decide on a centralized platform where you can share work (Google Suite apps for example).
  • What aspects of the assignment can be worked on individually then brought to the team. What aspects need to be worked on in a group setting?

 

• Assign tasks and roles – Once you prioritize what you will work on first, assign tasks to each member.
  • Have a conversation about specific interests and/or strengths within your team.
  • Ask your members what everyone is comfortable completing within your given time frame.
  • Who will turn in your assignment? Do you need someone to look over your work for final edits?

 

• Create deadlines – For each task assigned to the group there will need to be an accompanying deadlines in order to ensure progress on your work.
  • Consider making an overall timeline for the work as well as setting smaller deadlines along the way for when each component should be completed.
  • Keep track of all deadlines in a shared space where each member of the group can check back in throughout the project.
  • Once a group plan and deadlines have been established, double check to make sure that your plan aligns with the given course deadlines. 

 

• Decide on communication – Decide which makes the most sense for your group and set expectations for how you will stay in touch. 
  • How will you communicate with your group members? Potential options include group text message, GroupMe, email etc. 
  • Establish a meeting time outside of class if needed. Your group members will have other classes, extracurriculars, and may work, so it may be tough to find a meeting time last minute.
  • Set expectations for how the team will share updates. Potential options include weekly check-ins, progress reports when a section is completed, scheduling check-in deadlines etc. 

 

• Talk with your professor – Group work can be challenging and there may be times when there are issues with communication in your group or perhaps members are unable to complete work in a timely manner. If you find yourself facing such challenges, it is highly recommended that you reach out to your professor to let them know about the situation and ask for guidance. This is also why it is important to document group tasks and deadlines. Do not wait until its too late to rectify the situation.