How to Make Group Work Enjoyable for Everyone

One important part of the learning model is Teaching One Another. This means that group work is often a part of BYUI classes. Here’s some advice on how to make group work more effective and more enjoyable for everyone.

Come Prepared

Watch: Potluck Dinner

Make Sure Everyone Contributes

We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but everyone has something to contribute to a group meeting. Don’t let one person take control of the group—let other people lead—and make sure you make everyone feel comfortable and needed.

Spend a little time at the beginning of your meetings, getting to know the people in your group. A little time spent at the beginning of each meeting to develop relationships with your group members will be worthwhile in the end.

Avoid Complaining

It is tempting to complain or gossip about the class, your teacher, or your classmates, but we are taught that we should avoid those things.

3 Nephi 11: 29–30

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

Be a good example to everyone in your group and change the subject when the topic turns to complaining or gossiping. There are probably others in your group who will appreciate your desire to focus on the work at hand and who don’t want to spend time in your group meeting complaining.

Don’t Be That Person.

Many students have had a bad experience doing group work at some point in their schooling. Try to avoid being the person in the group that causes others to have a bad experience.

Make sure you do the following:

Include everyone by not taking over the meeting or talking too much
Let everyone feel like they are being heard by not interrupting.
Keep your word and do what you say you are going to do
If it’s a group project, divide up the work fairly; don’t be the person who doesn’t do anything or the person who does everything.
It’s okay to be quiet as long as you’re listening, and you contribute every once in a while.
Stay focused—don’t get distracted during the meeting.

Be Patient With Everyone

It is not your place to complain about your group members. You don’t know what they might be dealing with. But if there is a serious problem in your group, it can be helpful to email your instructor and ask for advice.

How To Do Math Problems Together

Working problems together as a group in Zoom can be difficult. Here are some ways to work on a problem so everyone can see what you are doing.

Student writing on paper taped to the wall, the computer is turned so that the students in the Zoom meeting can see the paper and the writing.

A box is turned on its side with a hole cut in the top. A smart phone is on the box with the camera pointed through the hole. The math homework is inside the box with a pen and calculator.

And most importantly

References

Getting the Most Out of Group Work by Carlton University

Book of Mormon