It’s easy to respond to the idea of another group project with a moan – group work takes, well, work! Overcoming difficult dynamics, managing tricky conversations about responsibility, and let’s face it – sometimes having to pull the weight of a member of the team who is slacking off – takes a lot of effort. But there’s a hidden value in group projects and collaborative learning, and finding it can help you transform how you think about this work.
Specifically, collaborative learning can help you develop leadership and teamwork skills that closely transfer to employment after college, including communication skills, listening, compromise, negotiation, delegating, and conflict resolution.
Moreover, remember you’re at a selective college – there is a lot you can learn not only from your professors, but also from your peers, each of whom brings a diverse perspective and background.
So how do you turn collaborative learning into an opportunity to grow and thrive?
1. Set the Tone with Clear Communication
It can be easy to dive right into the project – but aligning as a group first is key. Take some time to share introductions, goals for the projects, areas of expertise, preferred roles, and availability. Making the time to do so early on can save time in the long run, and make the group project a better experience for everyone.
Pro Tip: Follow up after a meeting with a quick summary of responsibilities by email or group message. Having something on paper can help others follow through.
2. Delegate to Include Every Member Effectively
Remember the diverse experiences that each member of the team brings. Chances are you all represent different nationalities, life experiences, academic skill sets, and extracurricular passions. By getting to know each member of the team, you can help make sure everyone is working in a role that is a fit for them. When people feel they are the right person for the role, and are excited about their work, they are more likely to perform. The best part is, there’s a lot you can learn from others on your team.
Pro Tip: Developing a personal connection can not only improve the quality of group work – it’s also a great way to make friends in college. Use the group project as an excuse to get a meal together!
3. Bring a Sense of Organization to the Team – and Be Reliable
Group projects require too much coordination to kick to the last minute, and college schedules can be chaotic, so get a meeting and check-in plan together early on as a team, and check-in often. Set goals and deadlines internal to the team so that you can get the project done on time.
Pro Tip: Set your internal deadline a few days earlier than the classroom deadline so that you can have some wiggle room in case of emergencies.
4. Lead Through Hard Moments: Listen, and Compromise
Group projects – even when approached thoughtfully – can still experience moments of tension. Be a leader through hard moments by ensuring that people feel heard. Reflecting someone’s ideas back to them can help show that you are listening, and understand. Then, be sure to choose your battles – is this an essential detail, or can you let it go? When it’s serious, seek compromises by making sure everyone’s voice is hard and debating the pros and cons of different decisions as a team.
Pro Tip: If you’re someone who speaks a lot in team meetings, make a goal of listening more. If you’re someone who’s shy, make a goal of speaking up. College is a great time to expand your teamwork skill set.
The Opportunity Collaborative Learning Projects Present
Remember, even though group projects and collaborative learning may not be on your radar as a benefit of college, they can help you develop in a myriad of ways. Imagine yourself as a leader a few years down the road: a strong speaker, a thoughtful listener, a respected manager, and an organized planner. These skills start with group work, and getting a head start on them will have you ready to enter your internships and employment with confidence and a fast growth trajectory.
With the right mindset, you’ll find that group projects are not a chore, but an opportunity to become a better leader, teammate, and problem-solver.
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