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Teaching Tips

Rethinking the Group Project
by Gabrielle Linnell

As a student, I've worked on dozens of group projects. Some of them have been wonderful. I loved teaming up with my classmates, and I learned at the same time. Many projects however, have been disasters—either one student did all the work, or nobody got along, or the end product was embarrassing. The success of the project is linked to the thought that the teacher gives in preparing the assignment. A little common sense, some teenage psychology and an understanding of students' schedules can lead to a fantastic group project for everyone involved.

1. Allow ample time. When it comes to group projects, especially if it is worth a significant portion of a student's grade, always give the assignment at least two weeks before it is due. Students can then plan the project into their schedule. This is especially important if the group project will require time outside of class.
   
   
2. Let students choose their own groups. This may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes, this is the best option. If everyone is friends within the group, they will be more likely to be responsible and work together. Failure to do so will cause friction within their friendships, and students don't want that. However, if you throw together a random bunch of teenagers, one person will almost always end up doing all the work.
   
   
3. Designate specific tasks to each member. If the group is working on creating a magazine, for example, tell the students they must designate a managing editor, an illustrator, two staff writers, and a designer. Then have each student report to you once a week (adjust per project) and give you a summary of what they've done. It's a high-achieving student's nightmare to be stuck with a bunch of non-achievers, and then receive a bad grade because of another student's work.
   
   
4. Don't just use a Power Point. Power Point presentations are easy to make, but they can be boring. If students are using this software, ask them to bring in a 3-D visual aide: a poster, a skit, a sculpture, a diorama, etc. In literature classes, ask students to read aloud from the book or poem they are studying. It makes the project more interesting for everyone involved. Also make sure students are not just copying Internet content onto a Power Point slide as this can lead to plagiarism.
   
   
5. Give individual grades. This gives students motivation to do well. Handing out a grading key is a plus: it always helps to know what a teacher is looking for in terms of creativity, teamwork, presentation, etc. The less surprises there are, the happier the students will be.

If you make a habit of considering group dynamics, time constraints, and creative opportunities as you prepare group assignments, you'll be amazed to see the complaints disappear and the work improve. Who would complain about having enough time and friendly team members and creative challenges? You can count me in on that project.

Gabrielle Linnell has written for Cobblestone, FACES, Byline, New Moon, Library Sparks and other magazines. She runs a blog/e-zine for teen writers at www.innovativeteen.blogspot.com.