Working in groups for student projects can be frustrating, however, understanding the skills and roles needed for a successful group engagement can make a difference!

1. Working in Groups
Successfully working together on projects and assignments
Presented by: Janice M. Orcutt, PhD

2. Group Activities
Students are often concerned about working
in groups because their grade depends on the
work of others
Instructors view group work as a way to allow
students to help each other attain a goal
HOWEVER
Most students leave the experience frustrated!

3. Group Assignments
BEST ASPECTS
 Generating / sharing
ideas
 Meeting people/ new
friendships
 Improved learning
process
 Sharing workload
 Improved grades
WORST ASPECTS
 Unequal distribution of
work
 Accommodating
schedules
 Lack of instructor
support
 Group conflicts
Burdett, J. (2003). Making groups work: University students perceptions.
International Education Journal, 4(3), 177-199.

4. Skills for
Successful
Group Work
 Organisation / Planning
 Decision Making
 Problem Solving
 Communications Skills
 Persuasion/ Influencing
Skills
 Feedback Skills
 Chairing Meetings
 Conflict Resolution

5. Teamwork!
 Awareness of Roles and
Responsibilities
 Commitment to Goals
 Contribution to Team
 Facilitation of Ideas
 Constructive Team Climate
 Response to Conflict
Teamwork represents
attitudes and behaviours
under the control of
individual team members
that affect cohesive
collaboration (effort they put
into team task, their manner
of interacting with others on
team, and the quantity and
quality of contributions they
make to team discussions
and projects).

6. What Makes a Team Effective?
 Clear Objectives (mutually agreed, clear understanding)
 Balanced Roles
 Effective Processes
 Good Communications
 Appropriate Leadership
 Support and Trust
 Openness and Compromise
 Mutual Cooperation
 Individual Commitment
 Regular Review

7. Skills for Effective Processes
 Individual Responsibility and Accountability
 Constructive Feedback
 Problem Solving
 Organization / Planning
 Knowledge of Roles

8. Roles in Groups
Role Skills
Expert Expertise, Topic Knowledge
Executive Organization, Planning
Driver Motivator, Energizer
Innovator Creative, Idea Generator
Analyst Rational, Sensible
Chairman Coordinator, Procedural
Explorer Curious, Idea Generator
Completer Detailed, Quality Conscious
Team Player Agreeable, Supportive

9. WHAT ROLE ARE YOU BEST
SUITED FOR?
Find out:
https//www.123test.com/team-roles-test/

10. Working Successfully in Groups
 Get started early: Get to know each other and exchange
contact information.
 Assign roles: Divide work equitably with each person
responsible for a deliverable
 Connect: Synchronously and asynchronously
 Foster positive team attitude: Build relationships based
on trust and commitment
 Keep records: Notify instructor is issues arise that create
obstacles for completion

11. QUESTIONS?