Working With & Learning From Classmates

Ever watch a cooking show only to realize afterward that without a recipe card or instruction sheet the meal was impossible to repeat? Ever sat in a meeting listening attentively to a PowerPoint presentation only to promptly forget everything just moments later? The same thing can happen in a classroom or lecture hall, which is why many college and university instructors have turned to small groups and group learning projects to enhance the student learning experience. The reason? People learn best when they are actively engaged in the process of learning. In fact, students working in small groups or on group projects tend to remember more of what they have learned--and have a more complete understanding of the material being presented. However, not everyone appreciates the value of collaboration.

Learning to Work Together

Mention the words "small group" and some people immediately recall an unorganized, unstructured group project from back in high school. Others are reminded of difficult projects they've participated in at work. However, while these projects have similarities--such as scheduling meetings, holding discussions, organizing data, and developing presentations, they are, in fact, different. Unlike work or high school projects, where different participants may have each had their own personal agenda (or lack thereof)--the primary goal of each participant in a higher-education environment group project is to do well and "make the grade."

Getting Started on the Road to Group Project Success Making the grade with group projects is easy when team members work together and follow a general project outline. A logical place to begin with group projects is to schedule an initial first meeting where everyone shares their contact information and a general meeting schedule is arranged. The next steps are discussing and outlining the project's objectives and assigning various tasks, including who will be responsible for what areas of research, data organization, and analysis, as well as how the final presentation is prepared and presented.

Similarities and Differences

While most members of this kind of small group will have a broadly similar goal, chances are each individual participant will be very different. It is this unique variety of perspectives, skills, and strengths that can make a group project extremely successful. In fact, if the group is able to assign tasks based upon individual strengths while working in collaboration, they will be well on their way to success.

Differences as Strengths

The road to a successful group project can be bumpy at times. Strangely enough, that which makes group projects so successful--the cooperation and collaboration of a variety of people--can also be a source of frustration. After all, whenever a diverse group of people come together to work on a project there may be discussions about things such as who will handle what area of the project and how the project should be organized. However, it's important to understand that this is, in fact, part of the process--and another reason why group projects are such an effective educational tool.

Develop your collaboration skills at a school near you, or enroll in an online degree program. Search career college programs by location (city or state), degree or certificate, or subject/major.

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University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

Visit www.phoenix.edu

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George Washington University

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) is now offering MPH@GW, an online Master of Public Health (MPH). With classes developed and delivered by GW's world-class faculty, MPH@GW features the same rigorous academics and selective admission criteria as on-campus MPH programs offered by SPHHS.

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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them.

The first step is to explore these areas of study, and think about where you fit in an industry that runs on ideas.

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USC School of Social Work

The USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California.

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