I wanted to reflect tonight on group presentations. Group presentations in a classroom setting and most recently a group presentation coordinated all online. The group assignment and class discussion that I participated in last week was such an interesting experience. I have done many group assignments but none that were all online and working with people I have never seen! I was nervous at first as to how the communication would work and if that would cause the group to crumble. I was pleasantly surprised that it was quite easy to communicate and coordinate what we were doing. Everyone expressed their thoughts and ideas and got along great!
As usual, this is reflected right now in my classroom. My students have just started a group assignment and I have already received parent emails and student emails of silly drama and conflicts. I try to explain to my students that they will have to learn how to work with people no matter what they pursue for their future. They think that they can just "work with friends" and that is not always the case and honestly not realistic. I hope to be able to resolve the conflicts and maybe split up the groups and comfort the parent...
Group projects are always something my students dread and I hope to turn their attitudes around. I have had wonderful experiences with group assignments and of course I have had the latter. Managing groups and working in groups seems to be the theme of the week for me.
Oh my! Yes, group and team work is not always 'work with friends fun time' - they will find that out in the workforce quickly! Best that we help educate our students on how to work this way (and the parents) so they don't have so much culture shock when they are in the real world.
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