Group Projects: Plan for Positive Results

Open communication and organization are important for a successful group project. These tools will help you share information from a distance and keep everyone updated on the progress of the project.

Credit: The Extraordinary Teaching Project: Group Work Strategies from a Group Processes Expert by University of Iowa. Retrieved from YouTube.

Photo Credit: StockSnap from Pixabay 

• Begin with introductions.
• Create a group member contact sheet with emails and cell phone numbers
• Choose a leader who will keep the group on track and keep communication lines open.
• Plan when, where, and how you will meet and share information. 
• Set goals and deadlines, but be flexible and pad your calendar to allow extra time.
• Choose tasks for each group member, and don't forget to include deadlines. Make sure expectations are clear.
• If your professor provided a grading rubric, make sure your project is on track to meet all of the requirements for an A.
• Communicate with your professor, whether it's for clarification on the assignment or if your group has members who are not participating.
• Ask your professor or a librarian if you need help. Don't wait until the last minute.

If your group needs to meet face-to-face, use social media, group chat, or one of the many online tools to help you determine a good meeting date. 

Gould Memorial Library has rooms that can be reserved for group study and meetings. Choose a room that fits your group's needs.

Credit: How to Lead Tough Conversations by Adar Cohen for TEDxKeene on YouTube.