Here are Ten Common Pitfalls of Group
Projects and Presentations.
1. One person taking charge and bossing others around
2. Unresolved conflicts about responsibilities or equitable division of labor
3. Absenteeism or lack of commitment to attending group planning/production meetings
4. Missed deadlines that have an impact on others completing their part of the assignment
5. Complaining or bad-mouthing others within or outside the group
6. Uneven quality in the final assignment
7. Lack of communication that leaves everyone confused and uncertain about progress
8. Duplication of labor
9. Lots of socializing but little task completion
10. Lots of focus on completing the task by not much fun in the process!
If you notice your group demonstrating any of these behaviors, it's time to call a problem-solving meeting. Left unchecked, these problems can sabotage the whole project. Suggest that the group take some time to use the assessment checklist to analyze the dynamics of the group. Here's your chance to put issues on the table by indicating specific areas you feel need improvement. Be prepared to describe behaviors that are unsatisfactory and to suggest better alternatives. Here's where a clear "I statement" can be very helpful:
"I feel discouraged when individual group members miss deadlines because that has an impact on our schedule. I'd prefer that we establish realistic timelines so that we can meet our commitments"
Notice that this statement identifies the problem but doesn't put someone on the spot or cause defensiveness. It's open-ended enough to allow people to offer an explanation if there is a legitimate reason for missing a deadline or to recommit themselves to getting back on track.
It's a good idea to deal with any problems first of all with the parties most directly involved. However if attempts at resolving problems within the group don't seem to be working, the next step is to involve the teacher to attend the next scheduled group meeting. That doesn't automatically mean you're asking the teacher to step in and solve the group's problems, but instead, to facilitate a discussion that will clarify expectations and resolve outstanding issues.
