Group project rant

manna, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2005

In our program, we have TONS of group work. We actually have a system in place where you group members can sign off on if a certain person did not do their share of the work and that individual's grade will be docked. Of course, people rarely use it for fear of "hurting someone's feelings."

By the way, I hate group work too!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

How very nicely your prof handled this! I suspect this is not the only time he has had problems with students who sat back and did nothing in group projects. It's just that it would have been nice to know that he was going to handle it the way he finally did, wouldn't it? Perhaps he handles it the way he did to observe how each student reacts to problems within the group as well. If he had interferred before the final presentation it might have ruined the impact he was trying to make. As I've said before, I think there are a number of lessons to be learned from this project on many different levels. That makes it an excellent learning experience. Unless the young lady who was the third member of your group changes her behavior she is going to be left in the dust. Your prof questioned her well and let her dig her own hole--proved her a liar as well. Wonder what this student is thinking about tonight?

Congratulations!

After your class is over, or maybe at your graduation you ought to get this professor aside and talk with him about this. I'll bet you will find out that there were many hidden objectives within it.

hopefully · Nov 9, 2005

It really annoys me when you have a total of 4 people involved in a group project, two are actually doing the work, one doesn't even bother to show up for class (or shows up over an hour late when he does) or contact us (i've contacted him several times with no replies, except for "i'm workin' on it" and never elaborates just what "it" is even after asking), the other sits around during class and whines "i don't know what we're ("we're???") doing" yet hasn't even begun to research their their part of it, but has plenty of time to text-message her b/f while we're supposed to be discussing this project (yes, i pointed out how inconsiderate the cell phone thing was). It is not up to the others in her group to hold her hand and to point her in the direction. I'm all for helping someone, but she needs to stop using the desk for a footstool, and use it to write ideas on. Not to mention stop using the school computer for AIM, and use it for project research, which is why the prof. sent us in the comp room to start with. How many professors do you know that will take an hour of class time, to dedicate to internet researching. Most would say "do it at home."
This presentation, along with a 2000 word essay to accompany it is due next Tuesday (8 days from now).
The prof. said that if we had any problems to let him know (just emailed him for the 3rd time over this). And i'm really hoping that mine and the other guy's grade are not affected by those that aren't taking this seriously. I know the other guy got tired of sounding like a broken record, trying to figure out what the other two are doing, etc. And i'm sick and tired of both of us killing ourselves for this project, and other people not giving a crap if they help or not.
Cannot wait till this class is over. I'm all for teamwork, if the whole team participates, but since that's not the case, i'd rather not have group projects.

To tell you the truth, I always slack off with group projects also and let others do the work. I am currently doing well in my nursing classes when I am at it on my own. Some people don't like group projects and they are intelligent people.

I dont think it is right that you ratted them out.

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Nov 9, 2005

let me make it clear that it was not a matter of setting out to ruin someone's chance at a grade. the opportunity was there to get it, but, just like everyone else in class, it didn't get handed to them. you had to step up and work, not wait for others to come and get you.

we communicated to the professor that we had problems in communicating with two of our group member well in advance, and also told this to the people we had this issue with (can't call it communication, communication isn't a one-way street). we didn't lie, we answered the questions, and the professor decided.

and she seemed surprised (the look on her face) that she didn't receive a grade as a result of no work.

i'm glad that we stood up for ourselves, but do not interpret that to mean that we're happy she got the zero.

after all...you two made the necessary attempts at communicating with those two. in my book, they both are deserving of the zero grade...period. the fourth member of your group conveniently was absent...it would take an act of god to make anybody absent for the presentation & your professor should've made that clear! unless somebody died....or they (that student) took ill & was admitted in hospital...they too should receive a big fat zero!

i think you & the other group member deserved your grades of 94 & have no business feeling guilty about the grades the others received. it infuriates me that this girl have the nerve to try & place blame on the two of you :angryfire! like...at what part of the project was she suppose to communicate to the professor that *she* was lost...tried to work with the group but was unable to understand?!!!!

no marie....you two did the right thing by keeping all e-mail communications at the ready & bb postings. this girl had absolutely no leg to stand-on...none! i'm going to say it...good for her that she got a big fat zero~ i give no credit to those looking for that free ride!

again...congrats on your group presentation grade! it was well deserved ~ cheers,

moe

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Nov 9, 2005

to tell you the truth, i always slack off with group projects also and let others do the work. i am currently doing well in my nursing classes when i am at it on my own. some people don't like group projects and they are intelligent people.

i dont think it is right that you ratted them out.

:angryfire you have got to be kidding???????!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

To tell you the truth, I always slack off with group projects also and let others do the work. I am currently doing well in my nursing classes when I am at it on my own. Some people don't like group projects and they are intelligent people.
I dont think it is right that you ratted them out.

You don't think it's right that i "ratted them out" since (one so far) didn't do squat, after the professor expressely told us to tell him if there were any problems?

No one likes group projects typically, but i wouldn't nearly dislike them so much if it weren't for people who are willing to sit back and let others do their work for them.

Sounds pretty selfish to assume others to do the work, simply because somone doesn't like group projects. Has nothing to do with intelligence, it's called pulling your weight.

jschut, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

I think it wise how the Prof handled your situation.

We just went through the exact same scenario with a group project...even to the point of going to our instructor and talking to her...she said we needed to get together with our group and discuss the issue. We did.

It didn't work....we ALL received a lower grade which really ticked me off.

Group projects are finished for this semester and we WILL NOT choose a certain 2 girls to be in our group again (If we have more of those horrid "group" projects due!).

Good for you Marie!

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 9, 2005

Hopefully is a Troll who deliberately posts inflammatory comments - I didnt even have to guess who it was!

Just ignore the comments and don't let him or her sway the nice discussion we are having about this.

hopefully · Nov 9, 2005

You don't think it's right that i "ratted them out" since (one so far) didn't do squat, after the professor expressely told us to tell him if there were any problems?
No one likes group projects typically, but i wouldn't nearly dislike them so much if it weren't for people who are willing to sit back and let others do their work for them.
Sounds pretty selfish to assume others to do the work, simply because somone doesn't like group projects. Has nothing to do with intelligence, it's called pulling your weight.

In my school, we always have to work in groups. I mean, some of it is not graded or the weight of the group presentation is like a very very small percentage of your total grade. If I knew that some of my classmates talked bad behind my back because I did not contribute to a non graded group presentation, it would be kind of bad because I see the same students everyday. But, my classmates dont really care about other studnets not doing anything because some of my classmates put more effort in a group presentation.

And I am not a TROLL. Just because I stated my opinion and you dont accept it does not make a TROLL!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

But, my classmates dont really care about other studnets not doing anything because some of my classmates put more effort in a group presentation.

How do you know? Did you ask "Hey, do you all care to do all the work, while i get some of the cedit?"

No one talked behind their back, everything was open.

And this project was a big hunk of our grade.

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 10, 2005

Hopefully - What makes you a troll is the fact that you consistently post statements or "opinions" that you KNOW are sure to draw attention to YOU because they are so out there as to be unbelievable. THAT is a troll.

BTW - for those unfamiliar - this is not the first thread in which we've visited in just this manner with this individual.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Nov 10, 2005

The other person in the group didn't do their presentation. Another zero. When asked why, he gave no reason. At least he admitted that he got the emails, and didn't respond in detail even after being asked repeatedly. Thank God it's over.

I can live with the names "snitch" and "rat" if it means doing what's right for the situation.