At Stevens, a major aspect of the coursework is collaboration, which manifests in the form of group projects. Many students feel a sense of dread when they hear the words “group projects,” flashing back to memories of group mates who ghost, do nothing, or submit AI-generated slop. While group projects may feel overwhelming and frustrating, they are necessary for learning how to work well with others. Although you may not be able to choose your group mates, here’s a survival guide to get you through your next group project.
Make a group chat
The very first thing you should do when tasked with a group project is create a group chat so that you can all communicate with each other. The choice of platform (iMessage, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.) is up to you and your group, but it’s important to have a way to contact each other outside of class.
Define roles and responsibilities
Oftentimes, the biggest challenge in group projects is a mismatch between what you and your group members are expecting from one another. In your newly formed group chat, communicate your expectations and assign clear roles and responsibilities. Sometimes, people want to contribute but aren’t sure where they fit into the project or are worried about overstepping. Setting these expectations ahead of time helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
Know your deadlines (and make sure your group knows too)
For a long-term project, be aware of what deliverables your team is responsible for. Check the syllabus, listen to any updates from the professor, and keep an eye on your Canvas announcements. Make sure to remind your team of the next deadline so everyone is aware of what needs to be done.
Don’t be afraid to hold each other accountable
You’ve assigned the roles and responsibilities. You’ve made your expectations clear. You all know the deadlines. If at any point a group member isn’t doing their work, don’t be afraid to approach them about it. We all have a lot going on between school, work, and extracurricular activities, but in group projects, we owe it to one another to complete the work together. Be understanding when you approach your group member, but don’t feel guilty about reminding them of their duties. If needed, you and your team members can adjust the workload to accommodate group members who may not be able to complete the work at that time.
Involve your professor if needed
Even after attempts at communicating with your group members and trying to fairly divide the work, sometimes things just don’t work out. At any major signs of trouble, try to speak with your professor and keep them informed on what’s going on. They may have advice for you, or they can factor in the situation when evaluating the project. Remember that your professor wants you and your group to succeed, so if you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask them.
Group projects can be challenging, but this guide can help make the next group project feel less daunting. Stay organized, communicate with one another, and adjust as needed.
