Group projects are a fact; school or no school. There are repetitive snags that always come up. The two basic ones are communication issues and not building in time for editing/revisions. if the group is facing a challenging situation due to poor time management and attendance issues, here are a few thoughts on alleviating the stress of group projects.
- Intensive Time Management Strategy: Work backwards from the due date and encourage the group to create a detailed schedule that outlines specific tasks and deadlines for each team member. This will help them prioritize tasks and utilize their remaining time effectively.
- Task Delegation and Collaboration: No one should be a ball hog and no one should be a tug boat. Advise the group to divide the remaining work among team members according to their strengths and expertise. Encourage them to communicate regularly and collaborate closely to ensure a cohesive final project.
- Utilize Available Support: I'm here to help. I assigned the project but I am always available to help. Recommend that the group consult with the instructor or academic support services for any clarification or guidance on the project. This can provide them with valuable insights and resources to improve their work.
- Quality Check and Revision: Surprises in group projects and last minute delivery are not fun. Stress the importance of thorough quality checks and revisions to ensure that the final project meets the required standards. Suggest that the group allocates sufficient time for reviewing and refining their work before the submission deadline.
- Effective Communication: Pick a form of communication that the team will actually use. If someone doesn't ever check email, THEN DON'T USE THAT! Text is fine - but acknowledge the text. No one likes talking in a vacuum. Encourage the group to maintain open and effective communication throughout the remaining time. This includes regular progress updates, addressing any issues promptly, and ensuring that all team members are on the same page.
- Focus on Key Priorities: 80/20 rule here. Figure out what is 80% of the project and focus on that. Advise the group to prioritize the essential components of the project to ensure that they cover the critical aspects effectively within the remaining time frame.