Working in a Group Is Better Than Working by Yourself

Working in Groups

Description of this Guide
In this guide we shall consider generally how groups are formed and the different type of groups you may be faced with at university.   We spend more time looking at the group project and how to develop an effective team.   The other sections look at the different forms of study groups that you may encounter at university.   All group work extends your inter-personal skills and this guide will help you identify what these skills are.

Learning Outcomes
1. Recognise how groups form and function.
2. Relate your knowledge of groups to team projects and other study groups.
3. Identify the inter-personal skills developed through group work.
4. Evaluate your developing inter-personal skills.

Contents
1.0 About groups and teams
      1.1 How do groups function as teams?
      1.2 How do individuals become team players?
      1.3 The importance of ground rules

2.0 Project teams
        1. Get to know yourself and the individuals that make up your team
              1. Establish your team’s profile
      2.2 Develop a team spirit
      2.3 Understand the task and develop a plan
        4. Maintain the team
              1.   Things that worry you about team work

3.0 Study groups
      3.1 In class
      3.2 Peer learning groups
          3.2.1 Helping a friend – coaching
          3.2.2 Private study groups
          3.2.3 Peer assisted learning
      3.3 Avoid plagiarising from each other (collusion)

4.0 Reflect on your developing skills

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The material in this guide is copyright © 2003 the University of Southampton. Permission is given for it to be copied for use within the University of Southampton. All other rights are reserved.
Working in Groups

One of our major sources of well-being is our relationship with our family, friends, colleagues and tutors.   Within each of these relationships we have different expectations and different... [continues]

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