Learning to work effectively on group projects is an important skill to develop as students enter middle school and high school. Challenges can arise when there are different personalities or work styles within the group. It gives students the opportunity to work on communication skills, problem solving, and delegation. We’ve compiled some practical tips to help students work in groups.
1. Set Clear Goals and Roles
The first step to working successfully in a group is to determine the project’s goals and then assign jobs based on what needs to be completed. A good way to assign jobs is to think about each group member’s strengths and/or interests. For example, one person can do the initial research, one person can compile the information in a clear way, and one person can deliver the presentation once it’s complete.
2. Establish a Communication Plan
Miscommunications can happen when working in a group. The best way to avoid miscommunication is to decide at the outset how your group will communicate with one another. You can try texts, emails, or working on a shared document. It’s also a good idea to check in regularly on the project to make sure everyone is on track.
3. Use Time Wisely
Procrastination can quickly derail group projects. Your group should decide on a timeline that breaks the project into smaller chunks and gives you enough time to complete everything. Shorter, more focused meetings can be more effective than long drawn out sessions.
4. Respect Everyone’s Input
Teamwork works best when everyone feels they can share their ideas and be met with respect. Everyone should listen to their group members and have respectful discussions if you disagree on a topic. Open minded brainstorming sessions are a great way to discuss multiple ideas at once.
5. Take Advantage of Technology
Technology can make group work easier and more efficient. A few ideas for remote collaboration:
- Google Slides allow you to work collaboratively on presentations.
- Trello or Asana allow you to assign tasks and see progress.
- Canva can be used to create posters and graphics.
6. Review and Practice Together
When your work is done, everyone should meet one last time to review the project as a group and make any final changes. You should look for any mistakes and practice delivering your presentation, if needed. This last step boosts confidence and quality.
Group projects may seem challenging, but they are much easier if you set goals, communicate effectively, and treat your teammates with respect. The collaboration and leadership skills you learn will be useful in many different situations in the future.
