Tips for Working in Groups

By Catriona Cornett (crc196@psu.edu)

Leadership Tips

Role of the Leader

  1. Make sure everyone understands the problem statement.
  2. Ask questions early on when your group doesn't understand something
    1. Divide project into smaller tasks
  3. Assign members to certain project tasks
    1. All members should assist in research and writing
    2. Make a timeline for larger projects
  4. Always listen to all team members' ideas
  5. Always engage members who aren't contributing very much

Tips for Asking Questions

Questions You Should NOT Ask Your Professor

  1. Don't ask questions that try to get the instructor to do your work for you. "Couldn't you give us more structure for this assignment?" Could you explain more clearly exactly what you think will be a good answer to the assignment? "Would you please just tell us what you want?" Where do we start?
  2. Don't ask questions that seem to disguise attempts to get the instructor to make the assignment easier. " This is so confusing and vague. Couldn't you be more specific? " Isn't this assignment too advanced for a first year course?" No one is going to be able to do this. Could you please make the assignment possible for us to do?

How to Formulate a Productive Question

  1. Do ask questions that show the work you have done and demonstrate your understanding of the assignment. The more the instructor can see and understand your thought processes the better he can coach you and help you learn. " We've come up with this statement of the problem. Do you think it is too broad for the time we have? " We think there are four basic issues in the assignment. Here is how we plan to research them. Could you suggest any ways we could improve our sources?
  2. Always be specific.

Group Dynamics

If you have group problems...

  1. Communicate with your team. If you notice a problem in your group, discuss it right away. Don't let the problem escalate.
  2. Keep a clear schedule. Talk about deadlines and try to stick to them as much as possible.
  3. Help team members who are struggling - everyone needs to understand the problem
  4. In desperate situations, don't be afraid to ask your TA or professor for help
  5. Don't let one team member have too much responsibility - divide tasks evenly
  6. Be patient!
  7. Use humor.