Why do instructors assign group work?
I’m currently leading an 11-person team for my Networking module, and I knew right away that this was going to be a challenging experience. Coordinating work among 11 individuals is a nightmare. Out of the group, 4 members have specific responsibilities, but it’s already week 2 and only 1 of them has bothered to respond. I have a feeling that as the deadline approaches, the other 3 will scramble to complete their work, leaving the remaining 7 of us in a tight spot with an impossible timeline.
Dealing with team members who rely on others, are difficult to collaborate with, and produce subpar work is incredibly frustrating. Honestly, it would be far easier and more efficient for me to work with just 2 high-performing individuals instead of trying to manage the whole team. Often, the top students end up carrying the weight of the project: they find themselves correcting others’ work and constantly advocating for minimal consideration from teammates. This setup creates an unnecessary strain on a few dedicated students while everyone else reaps the rewards of their efforts. Group projects can significantly lower your GPA because of the disproportionate workload shouldered by the more capable members.
In a professional environment, there is a clear hierarchy and accountability that keeps things running smoothly. However, in our student groups, there’s a hesitation to call out peers who aren’t pulling their weight, even if we all receive the same grade at the end.
It’s difficult to understand why instructors don’t see the inherent issues with group projects. Without any authority to enforce accountability, placing high-achieving students alongside those with much lower performance levels creates a toxic situation. The expectations of someone with a 50% GPA are worlds apart from those of a student with an 85%. It’s even more frustrating when students who are unwilling to contribute mislead the group about their commitment to the project. If they had been honest from the start about their disinterest, we could have redistributed tasks early on and streamlined our efforts.
I really don’t mind if others prefer to focus on different subjects; it’s the added responsibility of managing the group that becomes overwhelming. The time spent proofreading and revising everyone else’s work while waiting to see if they will even engage is exhausting.
So, why do lecturers continue to implement group work? From their perspective, it might seem like less proficient students can thrive, but really it just drives a few committed individuals to the brink over trivial matters. What’s the reasoning behind assigning group projects in the first place?
I totally understand your frustration with group work! It can often feel like a recipe for chaos, especially when the dynamics in the group are so varied. However, lecturers usually incorporate group projects for several key reasons:
Real-World Skills: In many professions, teamwork is essential. Group projects mimic real-world scenarios where collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution are vital skills. Lecturers want students to experience these dynamics, even if it’s tough.
Diverse Perspectives: Working with others can help students broaden their viewpoints. Each member brings unique ideas and experiences that can enhance the final product. While this is ideal in theory, it can be a challenge in practice, as you’ve experienced.
Accountability and Responsibility: Group projects encourage students to take responsibility for their roles while relying on others. It’s a lesson in accountability, even if it can lead to uneven contributions.
Preparation for Future Careers: In many jobs, people need to coordinate with colleagues who have different skill levels and work ethics. Group projects prepare students for the challenges they might face in the workplace.
Peer Learning: Collaborating with peers allows for shared knowledge and skills. Sometimes lower-performing students can benefit from high-achieving classmates, and vice versa.
That said, there should be systems in place to manage the inequities in group work, such as peer evaluations or mechanisms to report non-participation. Your experience highlights a significant issue, and it may be beneficial to discuss it with your lecturer. They may not fully grasp the challenges, and feedback can sometimes lead to changes in how group work is structured.
It’s frustrating when it feels like a few are carrying the load, but perhaps fostering better communication within your group could help. If you can, try setting clear expectations and deadlines early on to encourage accountability. Good luck with your project!