5 group-project etiquette tips
Yes, it is possible to get a good grade on a group project. And learn something. And ... have fun?
The notorious group project.
Students usually have about one (per class) each semester. Professors think that these projects will enhance the sharing of ideas and teamwork skills.
The experts say that Millennials love to work in teams so group projects are engaging active learners.
The student response? Often it's a mix of dread, concern and a desire to just work alone.
Students worry that their group members won't meet up, won't turn in high-quality work and won't make the deadline.
Ironically, despite the fact that students love their technology, there is concern that group members won’t respond to emails, texts or Facebook messages.
High-achieving students fear that group members who don’t complete their portion of the project or are unprepared for the presentation will impact their grade. By completing the assignment individually, students can work at their own pace, use their own ideas and be in control of their final grade.
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Group projects aren’t going anywhere though.
There is also some truth that these projects will help prepare students for the corporate world where they will have to work with different people and share ideas. Therefore, students should follow the group-project etiquette tips below to earn an A for being a great group member:
1. At the beginning of the project, evenly assign tasks and set deadlines for when you want to have certain parts of the project completed. This way, certain group members don’t feel like they are doing everything and everyone has a clear goal of when to complete their portion of the work.
2. Be flexible about when you can meet up to discuss the project. Group members will have busy schedules between classes, work and internship commitments. Can’t meet up because your favorite TV show is on at that time? Be flexible and record it. That really isn’t a legitimate reason if it means that another group member has to leave work early.
3. Tell your group members the best way to reach you (email, text, Facebook) and respond within 24 hours, ideally sooner if you can. Sometimes not having a quick answer to a question can hold up the entire project. Responding quickly avoids frustration and gives your group members confidence that you are part of the team.
4. Keep the communication open. Update your group members about the progress you are making on your work. It also guarantees that everyone knows you are contributing.
5. Proofread your portion of the assignment. The saves time on the back end when groups members have to put everyone’s work together. It shows that you cared about your work and the group’s grade. It will also indicate that you looked over your materials and are prepared for the presentation.
Jorie Scholnik currently works as an assistant professor at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Fla., where she teaches career classes and leads an etiquette club. She has also been working as an etiquette associate under the direction of Jacqueline Whitmore at The Protocol School of Palm Beach for the past six years. She earned her master’s degree and undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida. For business inquiries, you can contact Jorie through The Protocol School of Palm Beach at info@etiquetteexpert.com. You can also follow her on Twitter.
This story originally appeared on the Paste BN College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.