Group projects generally go one of two ways. In some cases, the congregation of passionate learners all fairly contribute information and laugh and smile and are happy to be working together. On the contrary, for most groups that are pre-assigned, it could be a complete mess for a plethora of reasons. Perhaps Jimmy didn’t do his citations correctly or Becky completely forgot the paper was due today. No matter how much experience you have with either type of group, there are a few characteristic team members you are sure to have had in an assigned project somewhere throughout your career as a student. At least one of the following students can typically be found in any given group…is it you?
1. The Anal-Retentive
This group member is the one to say, "I don't really like the shift of voice that occurs in group research papers, so I'll just write it". They are so into details that you've never put a second of thought into -- they may make you feel like the most uneducated person ever. If you aren't completely in line with what they have in mind for this project, don't even worry about contributing.
2. The Moderator
It's not uncommon for a group you're working in to have that one member who desperately wants everyone to be collectively engaged. They'll call on each member by name and ask, "What are your thoughts on this?" The moderator desperately wants the work to flow smoothly amongst all members. How great is it that your group project has its very own living and breathing blueprint of who does what?
3. The One Who Works Really Hard But Isn't Correct
You really appreciate this person for all of their hard work, but when you check it before turning in said project, everything has gone to shit. They were very excited and probably even acted as though they knew exactly what they were doing.They definitely tried, and for
4. The Complainer
Almost every group has one or more member that rather than getting to work, sits and complains about how they would rather be doing anything in the world than this project. Yeah, nobody's ever excited to work in groups, but once the complainer starts on their rant, it almost makes it more enjoyable for the other members when they realize just how ridiculous this person sounds comparing the project to a death sentence.
5. The one who might be illiterate
Last but not least, the group member who contributes absolutely nothing of value. They don't communicate any ideas or prior knowledge to the group. When the work is divided and they must now contribute at least the tiniest bit, this is where the rest of the group begins to question what's going on between this person's ears. The work they have done is so far off that you literally begin to wonder if this person can read or write. This characteristic group member is one of the most difficult to reach success with.