It’s about halfway through the semester, and a lot of you are about to be thrown into a group project that seems like a mountain of tasks and deadlines. You look around at your group members, a mix of familiar and new faces, and wonder how you’ll ever coordinate your schedules, let alone complete the project. Flashback to my first group project at university, fraught with miscommunication and last-minute panic. Fast forward to now, as a fourth-year student, I’ve learned the ins and outs of turning group projects from a source of stress into opportunities for growth and success. Here is how my team and I mastered the art of group projects, and how you can too, in any collaborative endeavor you undertake at UBC, and beyond:
Set clear goals, deadlines, and lines of communication.
The most important thing for any group project to succeed is for everyone to be on the same page. Yes, the end goal for everyone on your team is to hand in a completed project by the deadline and get a good score. However, it is often helpful to have smaller goals at more regular intervals to keep you on track. I like to do this by breaking down the project into stages; literature review, planning and organization, first draft, final submission, for example. I add these goals to platforms like Trello that help track progress and let me know if I am behind schedule. This approach not only makes the project more digestible but also ensures that everyone is on the same page from the get-go. I personally like Trello since it integrates well with most calendar apps.
It is also important to set up non-volatile lines of communication, ones that will not erase themselves after a certain period. My go-to is Discord since it is free and has all the functionality I would need for my group project, text and file sharing, voice and video calling, non-volatile. Be mindful about how long your chats are kept for. This will especially be helpful if there are any conflicts or any accusations of academic misconduct down the line.
Leverage Each Other’s Strengths
Everyone has different strengths and interests, and group projects let you capitalize on them. Early on, have an open discussion about each team member’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Assign roles that align with each person’s skills and interests as much as possible. This not only ensures productivity but also makes the project more enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, diversity in skills and perspectives is your greatest asset.
Remember, diversity goes beyond skills and interests; it encompasses different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Embrace this diversity within your group as it can lead to more creative solutions and a richer learning experience. Encourage each member to share their unique viewpoints and consider these diverse perspectives when making decisions. This approach not only enriches your project but also prepares you for working in today’s globalized world.
Check-in often
Communication is the lifeline of any successful group project. Decide as a team how often you want to meet as a team. Regular check-ins ensure that everyone is progressing as planned and allow for early detection of potential issues. Don’t underestimate the power of a quick weekly meeting to keep everyone aligned and motivated. In addition to the larger team check-ins, if you have multiple people working on the same part of the project, I recommend them setting up their own meetings as well. It is helpful to have a written agenda for each meeting to keep your discussions on goal and not miss any topics you wanted to discuss.
While dividing tasks is efficient, isolation can lead to disjointed results. These meetings also give you a chance to bring your individual work together, ensuring cohesiveness in the final submission. Tools like Google Docs or Office 365 allow for real-time collaboration and feedback, making it easier to integrate different parts of the project seamlessly. Office 365 is free for all UBC students with an active student email.
Practice and Promote Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of any project. Ensure that all group members understand the importance of original work and the proper citation of sources. Utilize university resources like the academic integrity website and Purdue OWL’s citation guide to learn more about academic integrity and good practices. Remember, integrity is not just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about contributing your genuine effort and respecting the contributions of others.
Be Proactive in Resolving Conflicts
Conflict is almost inevitable in group projects, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. Address any issues or misunderstandings early on, focusing on the problem, not the person. Effective conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy, and compromise. Sometimes, a neutral third party, like a TA or professor, can offer valuable perspective and mediation.
Reflect and Celebrate
After submitting your project, take the time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflection is invaluable for personal growth and future group projects. Don’t forget to celebrate your hard work and achievements, regardless of the outcome. The skills and relationships you’ve built during this time are worth celebrating.
As you embark on your next group project, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. By fostering organization, using diverse skills, maintaining open lines of communication, and upholding academic integrity, you’re not just completing an assignment; you’re preparing for the collaborative challenges of the professional world. Here’s to your success, both individually and together!
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