Let me know if you have ever heard this before, "For this project, you have the option of working independently or with a small group." Which is the first option you usually leap on top of?
For some of you, it may a relatively simple answer. Either you relish in the thought of being able to distribute the work among several of your classmates in order to save you some hassle or you are a narcissistic sociopath who wants no one else to get their grubby hands on your perfect work.
With less of the extreme language, I would usually choose the latter. In fact, I recently have chosen this option and I am debating with myself whether or not it was a good decision. Having worked as a member of a group project multiple times, I thought it would be refreshing to tackle this one by myself. Here are a few little points that I have been thinking about and why I am actually preferring to work by myself.
Disclaimer: I am only talking about school projects. I know that there is no way in any universe created by the uncanny imagination of a human being that I could do everything by myself. I am sure I have talked about the need for friendship and help in other articles!
1. Meeting times
Finding a reasonable meeting time and place for everyone in the group has been one of the biggest hassles of them all. When we meet during a meal, next to nothing gets done (because, honestly, who ruins a delicious meal by discussing research over the table? Am I right?.....Right?). This especially becomes an issue when each group member's information and contribution is needed during that particular time. When he or she is not there, the project cannot move much further.
2. That moment when a group member (even yourself) does something wrong
There is no escaping someone doing something incorrectly, even when working independently. No one is completely innocent. This is where working in a group actually has the advantage; group members can correct each other and evaluate each others' work. By going alone, you have to tread carefully and make sure every point of your project is done. So remember to thank your group members when they care enough to bring up inaccuracies! You are a team!
3. The work
This one could go either way. By working by yourself, all of the work is your own creation. Everything that is put into it is your thoughts and you know every bit of it. Presenting should be a breeze, right?...Right? However, with a group you can spread out the work so that every member has a piece to emphasize and focus his or her thoughts on. He or she knows that piece of the project so well that they could explain every detail while juggling and playing the guitar with their toes, right?...Right? Yet, then there is the problem with unity. With the work being separated, extra care must be taken to ensure that it all makes sense when put together.
As I said, overall I think I prefer working independently, but that obviously does not make it the only effective option. Others definitely work better in groups and for certain projects I would rather work with other people. Yet even when I do work alone, I will still ask for help because I understand that I do not know everything.
Which do you prefer, friends? Let me know!
