Many academically-motivated students would prefer to be able to work on their own for an individual grade. Our graduates, however, often report to us that working effectively in groups is one of the top skills that they take to college and the workplace. No matter what field of study or line of work students go into, they will find that group work is everywhere.
With that in mind, group projects are a critical part of BRVGS. This page offers some helpful tips for students and parents in regard to group work.
It can be easy to get frustrated with a group task - personality clashes, a perception that not everyone is doing what they need to do, or the task itself can get in the way.
In working with team members, always make it about "what needs to be done," and NOT about pointing fingers at other group members.
Rather than telling other group members what they should do, put it in terms of "What do we need to do?" and "Who is going to do what, and when will they do it?" Keeping the discussion focused on the end product and about what steps will be necessary to achieve can help to minimize team issues.
Most BRVGS projects require evidence that groups worked well together. The best way to do this is through regular BRVGS emails (using a group email address, if one is assigned).
Always start an email with a salutation, like "Hi, everyone," and end with closing message or signature.
Be very specific and include reminders from conversations. For example, "Hi, Brandon - as we all discussed, the map page for the website needs to be completed by this Friday. As of right now, there are two locations that still need to be added. Please let us know when those will be done, and if we can help at all. Many thanks, Jo."
It is really helpful for all group members to know what strengths (and liabilities) that they bring to the group. Knowing how you operate, and being honest about it, is an important piece of the puzzle.
One way to talk about these things in a group is by using the language of personality types. With that in mind, we always encourage BRVGS students to find out about their own personalities.
One quick but accurate personality test can be found at: https://www.16personalities.com/