I haven't quite figured out what college professors' thought process behind group projects are. I understand we are going to have to work with people we don't know/like in the "real world" but at least those projects don't determine our grades-- grades that determine GPA, that factors into graduate school, that helps with job searching which can help determine your overall happiness in life. I am all for getting to know and working with new people but not when it comes to partnering up in class.
I remember the days in high school when the teacher would announce a group project and you excitedly scanned the room to make eye contact with your best friends--- that is not the case in college. Now you look next to you at the kid who you think is named Tyler but you're not certain and hope that he too has not found a group, but then you realize his group is already full. Nothing kills self-confidence more than needing the professor to assign you to a group because you can't find one.
This randomly assigned group will probably be the worst. Your group most likely consists of a know-it-all who really doesn't know anything at all, a kid you have never seen before because that day is the first time he's come to class, and a kid who doesn't talk. You awkwardly exchange numbers so you can plan a time to meet up but everyone will claim to be "too busy", so the only time you can meet is from 2:43-4:12 am or you have to do it all yourself -- I prefer to do it all myself.
But if for some miracle the group does find a decent time to meet, the project becomes a full-on war zone. The know-it-all is spitting out off the wall ideas that you can't even consider because they will ruin your grade. None of your other group members will contribute so the know-it-all will hate you for denying all of his ideas. After rejecting his crazy contributions he will suggest splitting the project up evenly, however, when you combine all aspects of the project it won't make any sense or some member won't do his part.
Every once in a while, the stars align and you are placed in a group with someone who sleeps, eats, and breathes that class. They know everything about the course and will pilot your group to success and good grades. Unfortunately, this is terribly uncommon.
So professors, please for the love of God, stop assigning group projects.
