How to Tackle Group Projects
No matter what grade your child is in, a group project can be a challenge. But group work doesn’t have to be a painful experience, and it helps build important skills for a future career! With these tips, your student can enjoy a positive and successful project experience.
Develop a Communication Strategy
How will team members communicate? Will it be through text, email, Google Hangouts, or something else? How often are members expected to send messages? Solid communication is the key to a group project. First, determine the social avenue the group will use to share ideas and stay updated.
Set Expectations
Everyone needs to be on the same page regarding group expectations. Make sure there are rules governing how quickly messages and responses are expected; for example, maybe each group member has 24 hours to respond before there are consequences. Review each individual’s schedule, and set clear deadlines, then define how people will be held accountable if they fail to meet those deadlines.
Assign Roles
Each member of the group must have a defined role. Make sure to have a leader, project coordinator, presenter, notetaker, writer, and editor. Depending on the size of the group, it could also be helpful to split it in half and have two coordinators, two presentators, two writers, and two editors. The coordinators should be responsible for reminding the group about due dates and deadlines and for collecting that finished work and putting it together.
Create a Meeting Schedule
After assessing everyone’s schedule, set a time to meet weekly or bi-weekly to review progress, collaborate, and practice presenting. By setting these meeting dates ahead of time, you are less likely to have team members call out at the last minute — and make sure that everyone knows to treat these meetings as a priority.
Do Not Procrastinate
While this might feel like a no-brainer, it’s important that groups don’t procrastinate and put off important steps. Start your work, and get it done early with plenty of leftover time, so you can get feedback and make changes as necessary. Set small deadlines for each team member throughout the course of the project. At weekly meetings, ask for updates. By taking these few extra steps, you can enjoy a stress-free group project experience.
With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a K-8 Catholic school in Titusville, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.