Group Assignments

Just wanted to get some input on the general feeling about group assignments. I'm working on one right now and 30% of my grade is dependent on the assignment. My partner and I couldn't be on more opposite ends of the learning curve in our shared class. I'm having a real difficult time not being a real jerk about it.

My tendency is to just waltz in and take over the whole assignment but my partner has the right to learn too and she's trying. How do I handle this? Do I just close my eyes and let her hand in work I know won't cut it that has my name on it too? I'm trying to find an area where she's talented to kind of guide her in taking over everything to do with that area but so far, no good. I know she realizes what's going on. Oh what to do? Suggestions please.

Kathy

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Usually what I have done is broke up the project into pieces and assign each student parts of the project. Then when we meet we switch the information, evaluate it and see if it needs tweeked or that the other person can understand the intent. Always, no matter who writes something, it can always be tweeked. Is it a written project or a display project like an oral presentation? After that evaluation then we work together to merge our information.

renerian

[smk1, LPN]

im still in the prenursing program but just wanted to chime in about my dislike for "group" projects. I for one feel that in class time utilized for group projects is ok, however I'm busy and cannot spend my time outside of class tracking down others to spend time with for group activities. All the professors say it's only 1 class so it shouldn't be a problem, but I'm taking 3 classes this semester and guess what? they all have a "group" project planned this is getting ridiculous. Why do i need a group project during Art appreciation? Whatever happened to lecture, reading and paper assignments. sheesh!

[LeesieBug]

I HATE HATE HATE group projects!!! Just had to share that.....no advice

[hoppermom3]

I also have a strong dislike for group projects. I really have to watch my tendency to be a "bulldozer" and just take over the project. But right now I am working on a group project for American History. I am the only "old person" in the group and the only one the least bit interested in doing more than just passing the class. I resent the fact that my grade is dependent on the attitudes of 4 other people.

[LauraLou]

I have always hated group projects!!! They are so unfair. My grade should be based on my work, not based on the work of a random group of other students.

I can't decide which is worse, being the only person who does any work or to be in a group where the other students try but aren't capable of doing A work. I think I'd rather be with lazy students, so then I can do it all myself and get a good grade. It is frustrating that the other students get the same grade, but at least my grade is not brought down by other people's poor work.

I think professors assign group projects because it is a lot less work for them. They don't have as much to grade and the better students end up carrying the weaker students in their group.

My chemistry professor openly admitted that when assigning lab partners, she delibertly paired the stronger students with those who are struggling, so the better student can help the weaker student. Our grade is based on the work of both students.

When I signed up for the class, no one told me part of my grade would be based on my ability to teach chemistry to my lab partner who, while a very sweet person, barely speaks English and doesn't understand math.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Actually doing group projects is a pain but working as a team helps people to prepare for the real world. No one works on the health care team alone. JMHO.

renerian

Yes, I realize the teamwork issue is probably at the heart of it. This is also where effective leadership qualities begin to show themselves. I'm not too sure I'll make a good leader if that's the purpose of this exercise. In the real world of nursing, hopefully one works with someone who has command of basic concepts and language skills and won't kill the patient with ineptness. There has to be a minimum of acceptable standards. Right? There comes a point when you realize that some are just unteachable despite their most earnest desires. Is this my failure?

Kathy

[PlanetCaroline]

Be who you are Kathy. What you give out to your partner is what you get back (in grades, in learning, in your instructor's esteem). If you are proud of your work in working with a partner whose talents lie elsewhere, I'm sure the grade will reflect it.

Caroline

[renerian, BSN, RN]

No you cannot be held for someone else's failure to learn.

Hugs, renerian

[smk1, LPN]

i do see the point about team work in the real world setting, however i think some classes merit a group project and others do not. I have one in my speech -interpersonal communications class and i can see where it would be appropriate here, however art, and health do not need to have group projects. I really hate that my grade depends on others in a lot of cases. I;m paying a lot of money for my education and enrichment and do not need to worry about other people bringin my gpa down. (especially with the long wait lists for the nursing school!)

[TeresaRN2b]

Originally posted by LeesieBug

I HATE HATE HATE group projects!!! Just had to share that.....no advice

Ditto, but I totally understand why they are having us do them. We have to learn how to work as a team to be an effective nurse. We have to learn how to get along and to delegate. I am a total control freak and I think nursing instructors know that it is a common personality trait in nursing students and this is a task to help us work on that. It has been a good experience for me even though I hate doing them.

Teresa