Games in group work

Group work has always been a risky game for all students. Win, you get both high grades and friendship; lose, you get both hatred and low scores. Unlike other students who are afraid of group work, I always enjoy the feeling of cooperating with others. And every time there is a group task, my group can always make the best. Here are some of my thoughts and skills that may help you perform better in group work.

Firstly, we must have the awareness that we’re in a group. It means that we can neither do all of the work by ourselves nor only expect others to get everything done. Keeping this awareness in mind is the first step before assigning the work.

Secondly, know as much as possible about other members’ styles and find your position in this group. Here the “styles” include: if he/she is active or passive; whether he/she is more of a leader or an executive; what is each of the members good at. And all of the answers can be found just through some observations and small talk. Then, simply compare your style, preferences, and capability with theirs’ and preliminarily determine which role you may act in this group.

Thirdly, keep tracing the rate of progress of your group. In the period from having an assignment assigned to the time to due, you should have a timeline in your mind. When to decide the theme, when to have the first script, when to rehearse… check regularly to make sure the progress is not too off your timeline. Also, when you find the progress is out of expectations, do not be afraid to speak first and push the progress in the group.

The last one, try your best to get everyone involved. This is not only the duty of the leader, but every member should pay attention to it. Simply letting members who are not in a talk have a chance to deliver their thoughts and suggestions, or express your recognition and praise can improve everyone’s sense of participation effectively. Remember to express with a sense of humor, so you can get the group closer at the same time.

The truth is that all of us in the game of group work are not rivals but partners. We all want to have good work, a nice score, and a pleasant working atmosphere. So it’s not necessary to be afraid of group work. Arrange a reasonable timeline and pay attention to communication, so we can all enjoy a satisfactory group work experience.