Hello colleagues,
One of the requirements of creating this blog is that each individual has to choose an interesting topic of his/her choice. My topic of choice is student grouping to complete assigned projects in the programs. Student grouping is a hot topic for me, at the present time. I have been in the doctoral program at Nova for a couple of years now and in each class I enroll in there is group work to be completed. Usually, there is only one major group project to commiserate together on, and that I found to be tolerable. But, the closer I get to the completion of the required classes the more group experiences I have to tolerate. In one class that I am enrolled in this semster, there are four group projects that are required. In the beginning of the process, the professors at least assigned groups, but now it seems that the students are left alone to find groups to assign themselves to or form groups, this is extremely stressful when you do not know anyone and you are communicating through email.
My contentions are:
1. that these are basically on lines classes that we are enrolled in,
2. most of us work 40-60 hours a week,
3. we also live hundreds of miles away from each other,
4. nor do we know each other,
5. we do not have the time, patience, nor energy to contact each other on line to complete these projects effectively,
6. and sometimes the people in the groups do not work well together.
I believe that we need groups, but there has to be a better way to establish the groups. Groups, when working effectively and efficiently help each student tremendously, they really relieve some of the workload. I have worked with some GREAT groups while enrolled at Nova.
I guess that you can surmise from this post that I have a major project due and my group is not functioning or not functioning to my expectations.
What is your opinion of the topic of this post? Honest feedback is wanted and desired. I need to know whether I am alone in this dilemma. I could be just blowing smoke, and I really need to know if this is the case.
Thanks in advance for your responses,
Minnie
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7 comments:
Minnie,
Group projects can be very stressful. Especially in on-line classes. When a person is accustomed to completing his/her work in a timely manner, and group members procrastinate, it can cause real problems. The stress occurs because we cannot control the entire situation. If we were confident that everyone would pull their own weight, it would not be such an issue. However, we have to trust others to do what they say they are going to do. I guess it is similar to our classrooms. We assign group work and occassionally allow students to choose partners. Although they know their classmates, teachers must monitor the groups to ensure all students are active participants. If we turned in a partial assignment and stated that Joan of Arc did not complete section two, but here are the other three sections that Minnie, Angie and Mariah completed, don't you think the professor would realize that 3/4 team members actively participated, and he/she would grade accordingly? Hopefully, you and I would!
Very debatable issue-
ACG
Hello ACG,
Thanks for your comment, I needed it. I guess that you are right, no in fact I know that you are correct. The situation with me is the control thing. I am conditioned to be in charge and when I am not, I tend to loose it. I am going to have to learn to trust other and believe that they are going to do what they say that they will do (as you mentioned) and if they do not then trust that the instructors understand what kind of situation that I have been placed in and assessed accordingly.
Thanks again for the quick response.
Minnie
Minnie,
As a student, I have experienced group projects in the classroom. Based on that experience, I would shimmer at the thought of having to face this in an online environment. It would seem quite difficult to coordinate, especially in graduate studies, with most students having full lives in the forefront. Plus, I wonder how it ultimately benefits the students. I've had experiences in the classroom where one or two students in the group had the knowledge and the resources, and therefore drove the project. Sure the others participated, but generally speaking, I did not see where anyone gained from the group experience, aside from perhaps learning who you can, or cannot depend on, or who is already a step up in a particular area. Then it seems unfair if there no balance in the selection of group members. Though I question based on my personal group experiences, I can cite instances where the group setup might be necessary. There are jobs that require various types of group interaction. In this day and time, this might include distant communication, like teleconferencing, videoconferencing, as well as other forms of communication. If the class is based on such, then it would seem appropriate. But to just throw a group project in for no good reason, I would question. Perhaps I should have questioned the reasoning for some of my projects being group projects. I'd be interested in any further insight you discover, because I am strongly considering online studies myself.
HI DC,
I am excited about your considering on-lines classes because learning should be a continous aspect of our lives. We never get to old to learn and plus it is good for our memory, atleast that is what the doctors say. Are you serious or is it the tan dog thing? :) Thanks for your response to my blog and I do agree with your comments. It seems now that there is no rhyme or reason for the group things that I am participating in now. But, if you are really serious about online classes, don't let this bother you,GO for it.
Minnie
Group projects are great! Ithink it is a great opportunity to work with other people who can contribute to any assignment or project. Unfortunately, there are some people within a group that are not flexible or understanding of others.
Groups are like teams. There are MVPs and people who are only used at certain times. If a team wants to win. Certain players are asked to give more based on their athletic abilities, in order for the team to be in a better position to win. In groups, the instructor usually provides an assignment to challenge a group of students to see how well people resolve unforeseen challenges. Some groups work well together while others seek equal contribution. Whenever working with others it is important to look for the positive in each person and pull from their strengths. Groups are an effective means of getting quality work completed in a short period of time.
Unfortunately, lack of experience with technology prevents the clear communication between group members on-line.
For example, I ended up without a group assignment. I am okay with it but I am sorry that I did not get an opportunity to share some of my talents with other group members. I will complete my grant project working with the instructor but would have enjoyed sharing my learning experience with a fellow colleague.
Educators work in teams especially administrators. So I suggest developing skills with working in teams whether it be in a traditional setting or on-line (electronically).
Hi Minnie,
Initially, center and at the end, group projects can be stressful because they require
individuals coming together to agree (first) on a proposal, then be assigned specific
responsibilities, and be left alone to execute those required tasks.
Moreover, the situation becomes more complicated as timelines are placed into the
equation, individual work hours are calculated and lack of communication by some group
members are wedged into the equation.
To be frank, group projects should be left for the full time onsite students who have the
time to chase after group members and to see professors face to face. It is so taxing
when individuals must constantly send emails asking specific persons to respond.
What has to happen in group projects is for persons to be blunt. It might come across as
being rude, but individuals must express their feelings and be respected accordingly
without having to feel as if they are walking on egg shells.
Finally, do not relent. Send emails to group members and professors. Become proactive!
Insist that team leaders become more accountable and that all members are working a
40-60 hour week or more,that is no excuse! Make appointment via the resources
available online to meet with group members. Take all excuses away from them, so that
at the end of the day, as a member of the group, your end is clear. I am so glad the
team for our group project for this course came through! Thanks, Piroska, Angie,
Minnie, "Shara",and Winnie. Have a great summer Minnie. Great topic chosen.
I agree group projects are very stressful. It is so much easier if you know the people in your group. There has to be a leader in the group that directs the group towards the goal. Without a leader there is no moving forward. I understand Minnie, I have been there and it is really frustrating. Good luck
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