How do you handle lazy lab partners?

[SiennaGreen]

In the past, I have always handled it like I would at work. The job needs to get done, I want it done correctly, so I will do what I have to do to make sure it is done right. This coming semester I have two science+ lab classes and I wonder what the best way to handle lab partners are who genuinely aren't doing their fair share. If you cannnot work it out between the two of you, does the professor even want to hear about it? Or is it best to just do what I have always done and get the job done? I might be setting myself up for criticism for stereotyping, but sometimes I feel like SOME younger students assume that an older student WILL do the greater share of the work, like we're their parents or something. It isn't common and certainly isn't all younger students, but I have sensed a pattern.

I guess I am just trying to prepare myself should that happen to carry the load and try not to get resentful. Any suggestions?

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

In multicollinarity's defense.....

In all of my prior labs (Biology, Chemistry, A&P 1, A&P2, and Micro) each person had to turn in their own work even though they sometimes worked on the same cat, speciman, or project. This would mean that if someone didn't do something then they may not have the answers for their own paper unless you gave it to them. I know in Chemistry, and both A&P's we had quizzes at the end of each lab over what we did that day. If you didn't really do it or pay attention then you would get a bad quiz grade.

I am not sure I would complain to the professor either I would just do the work, and not share my answers with my lazy lab partner. In the end it will all be very clear to the professor when her lab work is incomplete, incorrect, and she fails her quizzes.

What will happen if you complain? All of my labs have been very full labs with every sit taken. The professor cannot just go up to someone else who has chosen a lab partner, and pull their partner, and switch them for your partner. She can talk to your partner about not being lazy, but I am not sure how much good that would do. It might also create more tension at your table without producing any affect. She cannot kick the student out of the class if they have paid, are not disrupting the class or cheating. We are all adults (or should be). There are a variety of reasons we might not get along with someone (we think they are...lazy, smelly, unattractive, too old, too young, abrasive, mean, rude, to bossy, maybe they want to do everything, odd, strange, the list could go on and on). I have had lab partners who I had to stand up to and say "Hey it's my turn". In my opinion they would have done everything if I would not have stood up and made them share lol (sort of the opposite problem you have).

Part of the learning process it learning to get along with all sorts of people (even difficult ones). I just feel this is one of those situations where you have to handle things yourself. If some of the class has dropped you could talk to someone who's lost a partner, and see if they would mind if you move then tell the professor your changing partners. You could talk to your partner or just do your work, and don't share answers with your partner, and let her stand on her own merit.

This is what I meant, but you explained in better than I did. Thank you!

[LMRN10]

Definitely a hard situation to be in!!! I would say just get it done...if you don't, it will reflect on your grade as well unfortunately. And maybe the teacher notices more than you realize and your lab partners grade will reflect the amount of work he/she has been putting in. I hate being in that situation! Good luck!

[Medic9]

Interesting situation really. I've been there more than I care to admit. I excelled in the various biological sciences at my school. Everyone wanted to be my lab partner, but as my wife would tell them, I'm the hardest lab partner to have. Why? Because I expect everyone in my group to pull their weight. If they don't understand something I'm very adept at clarifying and teaching. It's easy to tell those who want to learn but struggle vs. those who just want the answers. When I begin explaining something those who wish to learn will pay attention, others will go on to something else or just ask me straight away for the answers.

I don't do that. My wife was a lab partner of mine for around 2 years of school. For those who don't want to learn but want just answers will find that as they copy my answers they begin to fail. If I notice someone cheating off of me on a test or lab, I don't go telling the teacher, I simply start writing down the wrong answers. After they've finished the test and taken it up, I've gone back to correct those answers. It's funny to see the looks on their faces when they see they've failed and I've aced the exam. I have no shame on this point and I would do the same thing if it was my wife who was cheating, fortunately I've never had to go this route with her.

As for a friend. Well I don't keep too many of them while I'm going through school. If someone is negatively affecting my scores, I stop dealing with them cold. I don't think twice about telling them to leave me to my work. They aren't paying my bills now and they won't later. They cannot dictate my coursework. Friends are nice to have but real friends keep your best interest in mind. Clearly she doesn't have your best interest in mind.

[LMRN10]

If I notice someone cheating off of me on a test or lab, I don't go telling the teacher, I simply start writing down the wrong answers. After they've finished the test and taken it up, I've gone back to correct those answers. It's funny to see the looks on their faces when they see they've failed and I've aced the exam.

:bowingpur:lol2:

That is great!! I'll certainly keep that in mind if I ever have an issue!! You are the master!!!

[EGKB]

I've been in situations where my lab partners have not wanted to do any work, or just wanted to watch me do everything. Sometimes it was because they were afraid of screwing up, sometimes they were just lazy. Whatever the reason, in those situations, I have learned not to worry about anyone but myself. I love to do dissections, work with the microscope, and do all kinds of experiments, and I don't mind working with others who are making an effort to do the lab exercises. If they want to leave class early, or sit around and text message people, or otherwise blow the class off while I do the work, I don't care! I need to make sure that I am getting what I need to out of the lab.

Since I worked in another profession before returning to school for nursing, I am used to other people (on the job) not pulling their weight. You can either put up with it, say something to them, or say something to their teacher/superior. (I don't ever complain to the teacher. Believe me, the teachers know EXACTLY what's going on, and they probably hear enough whining from the slackers to begin with about how hard the class is... they don't need to hear even more whining ABOUT the slackers!)

I choose to say something to the lab partner to let them know I am serious about the class, and that if they don't want to participate in the labs, that's their choice, but they are on their own as far as the lab reports go. Usually that's enough to get them participating. If it's not, and if that means doing all the work myself, so be it. People who don't care enough to do things right generally don't care if you take over their share of the work. Just remember, you have to learn it ANYWAY!

I don't know too many students (or employees, for that matter) who can afford to let someone else's lackadasial attitude influence their own performance, or grade, or project outcome. The important thing is not to let others take advantage of you by letting them copy your lab reports, observations, etc. Don't be afraid to put your foot down and assert yourself!

I know it stinks when people don't do their fair share. Just try to look at it as an opportunity to improve your own skills and knowledge, and possibly an opportunity to set a good example.