AN AI EXPERIMENT: RESCUING THE GROUP PROJECT

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This is my twentieth blog on group projects–a never ending source of frustration for students at all stages of their academic careers. Curious about what AI could do in assisting me as a blogger, I revisited last year’s blog on what to do at this time of year if a group project is circling the drain.   The points are as valid now as they were a year ago, so I asked Microsoft’s Copilot to rewrite the blog at a first-year college level, keeping the tone but being more succinct.

Here is the result of my experiment: 

Midterms are done and finals are on the horizon. The group project, a common academic hurdle, is due soon. If your project is off track, it’s time to strategize and prevent a meltdown.

Remember, you’re not alone in disliking group projects. They’re a part of academic and professional life. You might end up doing more work and disagreements may arise, but the focus is on your academic success.

To rescue your project, here’s a plan:

  1. Review the project: Identify what’s left to do.
  2. Call for a meeting: Use email or text to gather your group.
  3. Share your summary: Invite others to do the same.
  4. Hold a productive meeting: Focus on solutions, not blame. End with a clear action plan.
  5. Follow up: Send an email summarizing the meeting and tasks. Check in regularly.

If the project is still in jeopardy, it’s time to involve the instructor:

  1. Prepare for the meeting: Ideally, go with one or two others.
  2. Schedule promptly: This allows time for implementing solutions.
  3. Create an agenda: List the issues.
  4. Propose solutions: Show you’re taking responsibility.
  5. Be open to feedback: The instructor may have different ideas.

Remember, the goal is a well-done project and a good grade, regardless of the challenges along the way.

Post-meeting steps:

  • Communicate with your group, assign tasks, and follow up.
  • Be ready to potentially complete the project mostly on your own.
  • Prepare for the presentation: have multiple presenters, rehearse, time your delivery, and test the technology.
  • Be ready to present solo, if necessary.

Prepare for “ugly” situations:

  • Teammates might shift blame or undervalue your contribution.
  • Document every stage of the project to safeguard your grade and reputation. 
  • Manage frustration: Use tools that work for you: take breaks, exercise, and acknowledge effort.

After completion:

  • Reward yourself and celebrate with your allies.
  • Reflect on your learning about project and team management.
  • Nurture the relationships you’ve built.

If you’re curious about how AI modified my original, the original is at https://www.stevevogel.net/is-the-group-project-circling-the-drain/ Let me know what you think of the result, and in the meantime, connect with me at [email protected]  to discuss your group work issues.

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE DIAL 911.