We will be asked to do group work in many subjects, so we better catch on as soon as possible. Are we really going to keep doing group work in college?
In college, group work becomes a fundamental part of the educational experience; it is as crucial as any subject we study, so let's not think that it's over with high school. To obtain the
eTitle, group work is a hurdle that we will have to overcome several times. Having to interact with our classmates to complete a common project helps us learn to collaborate, communicate, and develop social and leadership skills. It prepares us for real life and helps us grow as individuals.
Group work is more important than it seems
At first, it may be quite annoying to have to work closely with classmates we may not even know, who may not share our criteria or, even worse, we may not get along with. We won't always be allowed to work with our best friends, and it's even better that way. Group work teaches us to negotiate, collaborate, understand and respect different perspectives, and know how to distribute responsibilities, merits, and blame for the final result. It also teaches us to deal with people we detest or whose ideas we find terrible. It is an intensive course in social skills, tolerance for frustration, and basic manipulation, which is why it prepares us so well for the work environment, where teamwork is a key skill.
Establish clear rules and expectations
The first step for group work is to establish rules and have clear expectations from the beginning. Everything agreed upon at the beginning will prevent problems later on, so one of the group's first tasks should be to meet and establish these rules (even in writing). We must all be on the same page regarding deadlines, responsibilities, and how we are going to communicate. This will help avoid confusion and tensions within the group.
Encourage open and honest communication
Clear and open communication is essential for successful group work. Another thing we must agree on with the other members is this: no one should keep their thoughts about the development of the work to themselves. We must feel comfortable sharing our ideas, giving and receiving feedback, and expressing our concerns if any. Open and honest communication helps strengthen trust and ensures that we are all in tune during the work.
Use technology to collaborate
Sometimes, friction arises because not everyone can meet with the same frequency. Technology can be a great ally during group work. Tools like Google Docs, Slack, or Zoom will allow us to collaborate and communicate more efficiently, even if we cannot meet in person. Let's take advantage of these tools to stay organized and connected.
Learn to handle conflicts
Inevitably, some conflicts may arise within the group. The key is how we handle these situations. We must learn to listen, stay calm, and seek solutions that are fair to everyone.
Correctly managed conflicts can lead to creative solutions and strengthen group cohesion. Instead of getting angry, it is more advisable to try to see these conflicts as an opportunity to learn and improve our social skills, empathy, and leadership.
Promote individual responsibility in group work
Although group work is a collective effort, each of us also has individual responsibilities. Let's establish clear goals and make sure that each person fulfills their part. This not only helps keep the project moving forward but also fosters a strong work ethic.
Enjoy the process
Group work should not be seen only as a daunting task. We may find that collaboration and the process of joint creation are very enriching and even fun. Reflect and learn from the experience After completing a group work project, it is useful to take some time to reflect on what worked and what didn't. This will help us learn from the experience and improve in future collaboration projects.