Working Effectively in Groups

Why Group Work Matters

There are advantages and potential pitfalls of group collaboration projects, and at university you will need to develop your group work skills as some of your course may be based on this type of assessment.

The assessment is designed to demonstrate how well you have met the learning outcomes of the module.

Inclusive Group Work

In a group setting, neurotypical and neurodiverse people will have different experiences. Here are some ways to help make working in a group more inclusive:

• Have open and voluntary discussions about the diverse needs of the group.
• Provide the option for people to partner with people they are familiar with, for smaller group activities.
• Support the use of fidget or stim gadgets.
• Set clear and specific roles, responsibilities, and goals.
• Agree on the method of communication.

Tips for Good Practice

1. Share information and make reasonable adjustments: Be responsible for your information, if you need to share with your group any information about your reasonable adjustments do so. This will allow all group members to be able to access the group work task equally.
2. Consider the environment: Check out the student study zones across campuses to identify the best location to work collaboratively. It is important to foster a calm atmosphere to ensure all learners get the most out of the group work task.
3. Independent learner: Often the size and structure of the group work task is designed by your academic. As an independent university student, you will have minimal supervision and it is important to ensure that the group works efficiently together.
4. Have clearly defined tasks, deadlines, and outcomes: From the moment a group work project is assigned, preparation is crucial. Clearly defined tasks, deadlines, and outcomes from your academic advisor should be effectively managed, with responsibilities distributed across the group. Be mindful that your peers may have different time management styles, so establishing a structured environment with clear rules and expectations from the beginning is key to a successful group project.
5. Communicate effectively: As a team, agree on and use various forms of communication, such as MS Teams, email, or group chats. Ensure that all group members are signed up for the chosen communication methods or apps.  Communicating in person when working in a group can be beneficial, as you can quickly clarify misunderstandings. Personal interactions can help build trust and rapport among team members and non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions can improve understanding and limit conflict.
6. Support, supervision, and accountability: Check-in regularly as a group to provide support, ensure everyone is on track, and hold members accountable for their tasks. This structured approach helps identify and address issues early, keeps the assignment moving forward, and ensures equal participation from all team members. Remember you can always contact your Lecturer if you need support managing group dynamics.

Understanding Group Roles

Behavioral diversity can greatly benefit group work, as having a balance of personalities is crucial, albeit not always feasible. Thus, when collaborating within a group, it's vital to capitalize on individual differences. Appreciating the varied combination of people and behaviors is essential for ensuring the success of a team throughout the entirety of an assignment, from inception to completion.

Belbin Group Roles

While Belbin group roles can offer a structured way to understand diverse behaviors, it is important to recognise that people display a combination of behaviors, so it is not always possible to easily identify one dominant behavioral type.

It can, however, offer new groups or teams the opportunity to reflect on their behaviors and focus on their self-awareness to better understand how behaviors can impact group dynamics and performance.

Consider using Belbin's Group Roles to enhance the effectiveness of group work, plus it can be fun  trying to establish which role you best fit.

Here’s how you can apply Belbin's Group Roles to work effectively as a group:

1. Identify Roles: Discuss the roles as a group and try to identify the diverse strengths and preferences of the team members.
2. Assign Roles: For effective group work, it can be good to assign roles such as Chairperson (Co-Ordinator), Designer (Plant),  Note Maker (Implementer) and a team member who will proof read the work (Completer).
3. Monitor and Adapt:  Regularly review the effectiveness of the role distribution and be prepared to adapt if certain dynamics aren't working well.
4. Foster Accountability: Assign clear responsibilities based on roles, but also emphasize collective accountability. Ensure regular updates and check-ins to monitor progress and address any issues promptly.

By strategically applying Belbin's Group Roles, you can create a well-rounded team that leverages the unique strengths of each member, leading to more effective and harmonious group work.

Communication is Key

Communication can include the way we choose to dress on any particular day, the gestures we make when interacting with people, and the language or tone we use.

Effective communication involves active listening, empathy, and compromise.

Active Listening

Active listening is a fundamental communication skill that involves fully engaging with the person you are communicating with, understanding their message, and responding appropriately.

It can be useful to use verbal cues (e.g., "I see," "I understand", "Go on," "Tell me more") to signal interest and understanding.

Most important of all, do not be afraid of the silent pauses!

Empathy

It is important to acknowledge other peoples emotions, respect their perspectives, and show understanding and compassion. Use inclusive and considerate language and provide constructive and supportive feedback that focuses on ideas and efforts rather than personal criticism.

Compromise

This facilitates mutual understanding. It allows conflicting parties to find common ground and reach mutually acceptable solutions. By acknowledging each other's perspectives and needs, individuals can resolve disagreements and conflicts more effectively, leading to greater harmony and cooperation.

Resources and Support

To facilitate group work the Library has collaborative learning spaces and group study rooms that can be booked in advance.

Seek assistance from tutors proactively if difficulties arise or guidance is required.