Everyone loves a group project, right? Okay, so it may be the most dreaded experience of a college class. The thought of a group project online can be overwhelming but fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the experience a good one. The following points will help to make your group project a success.
Become Acquainted With Your Group Members
It’s important to get to know the other group members. You may never have any contact with them outside of this group, but it’s still important for everyone to introduce themselves and give a little information about themselves. Express strengths and shortcomings so when group tasks are divided, it will be more clear of who to put in what role. This will help the project be successful.
Decide On Responsibilities For Each Member
Determining who will complete specific jobs and designating responsibilities should be done early on. This way, everyone is aware of what is expected of them. Deadlines must be set to stay on task and not miss an important due date. A shared calendar works really well to keep everyone abreast of due dates and who is responsible for each task. This way, everyone can focus on the end goal and move toward the goal together. There are many different group apps to help with organization and task assignments.
Stay In Contact With Each Other
Communication is so important. It will make or break you. There are numerous ways to communicate as a group; online forums, group messages, Facebook groups, or emails to name a few. It’s important to talk regularly. You will need updates and will need to follow up with members who may not be completing their assignments. If communication is weak, the group will suffer the consequences.
Maintain Ties With The Professor
It’s important to keep your professor in the loop. They are there to help you and should provide feedback and support to you and your group. If your group is not performing up to par, approach your professor, and ask for guidance. If you follow their advice and still no improvements, let them know and ask for additional help. If your group is performing well, share your successes with your professor and give an update on your progress.
Watch For Deadbeats
There’s one in every group it seems! Be prepared for the group member who does not carry their weight. Whether it is one person or a few, not everyone will contribute equally. When work is online and you are not meeting in person, it becomes easier to slack off on responsibilities. Try to reassign tasks based on strengths and weaknesses which may motivate them to pull their weight. Be quick to recognize someone who is not contributing as they should so the group will not fall behind.
Discover the Purpose
Determine what the project is about and discover its purpose. Every member may not connect with the project or be interested in it but all of you should want the same outcome: a good grade. Dividing up the tasks fairly and taking into account each person’s strengths and weaknesses will help ensure success. The more you understand the project and its meaning behind completing it, the more motivation you will have to do quality work.
Have fun with the group project and enjoy the time of working with others. If your group has communication, organization, and accountability, you will have a successful outcome. Find the purpose of the project early and it will lead to motivation. Encourage each other and utilize each other’s strengths. All of these things will lead to a successful group project.
