This helps students anticipate potential problems and be prepared with appropriate responses, develop greater awareness of the interpersonal skills needed for effective group work, and draw on a common set of examples when talking to their group members, other classmates, and you.Įxplain your own role. Ask students to role-play or discuss these scenarios and, equally importantly, discuss possible constructive responses. Before your students begin working together, consider introducing hypothetical group conflict scenarios (e.g., a group member is freeloading). Suggest technologies, such as online calendars, that can help group members coordinate their schedules and efforts more effectively.ĭevelop and practice conflict resolution skills. At the beginning of a group project, ask group members to exchange contact information and schedules and to plan how they will communicate with each other and exchange their work and ideas (e.g., email, group wiki, face-to-face meetings). Providing a constructive framework for group interactionsįacilitate communication within groups. However, it is important to monitor all groups to some degree so that you can give feedback and intervene if necessary.

Students who are more experienced with group work, or who have worked in effective groups before, may need less. Students who have not worked in groups before, or who have experience only with ineffective groups, will need more structure, guidance, and regular communication with you. Anticipating and preparing for potential problems.Gathering information and giving feedback on group interactions.Providing a constructive framework for group interactions.Monitoring group projects requires as much planning and preparation as designing the project itself, but it helps prevent many common problems in group work.

Center monitor