It was by pure chance that I ended up in a group with Miko and Zhen Yun. I didn't have any friends in this module so I am thankful I have two such friendly and nice girls as partners. Perhaps it is because this module focus on communication and building relationships that I realise my experience in this group seems different from other groups I was in.
I remember I did this module last year where I had to do a project with 7 guys. We didn't really spend much time together. Everyone would do their own part alone and we would consolidate the efforts. While the project was done, I never felt like it was a group effort; more like individual pieces of work that are clued together out of necessity and not teamwork. This time, while we still split up the work, each of us will often look through one another's work and provide feedback on various things: from minor editing to new ideas. Every part of the report is honestly an effort from all of us as a group and not just as an individual.
It is really fortunate that even we are from different faculties (engine and science), our ideas and work methods are able to mesh together smoothly. I just hope that my future groups will have the same sense of teamwork.
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Hi Weili, in some cases, I think the more doesn't really mean the merrier. For instance, I think group work will be more efficient if the group is small. With a smaller group, it will be much easier to arrange for a meeting whereby everybody can make it. In your case of the previous module you had, probably the reason why you felt that it was more of a "jigsaw puzzle" work instead of team work is due to the large number of people in a group-7. However, in future when we step into the working society, there's still a high possibility of working with more than 10 people in a group. So ultimately it still depends on the basic principle which is effective communication. With that, I think any problems can be easily resolved.
Thank you, Weili, for your honest reflection. I'm glad that this small-group approach proved effective for you guys and that it was a positive learning experience. I look forward to reading your report!
I find that group dynamics can depend on various factors, including the following: nature of the task/module/instructor, leadership within the group, existing relationships among members, types of members, time frame and other priorities.
The more experience with different group work situations, the better you can gauge yourself and others?
Limited interaction may not necessarily be undesirable - if this is effective and efficient, why not? High level of interaction does not work well with some people.
Working with a large group is never an easy task. There will bound to have some miscommunication or unequal distribution of work. Besides, as said by Huiling, arranging for a large group meeting is not easy, given the dynamic differences in timetable. But this is what we will be dealing with when we enter the workforce. And I guess this is why most of us are taking this course.
Hi weili, i do think that by building a relationship within the groupmates, it makes the whole project more enjoyable and it makes you want to contribute more to the project. I've had many experiences whereby there were little interactions between groupmates and all they wanted was to quickly finish the project effectively. Somehow, after doing my FNA report with 3 guys from different faculties, i've concluded that engine people wants to be very effective as well when it comes to project work. I might be stereotypical over here, but i was being bombarded by my fellow groupmate from engine that there was no point in having a meeting but just split up the work, do them individually. Only a meeting is required to compile and edit the report before we submit. As such, no relationship was being formed from that project and i was somehow not motivated to contribute to the project. I guess ES has definitely provided you with a different kind of experience, one that is not just about the end report but the sense of knowing and bonding with your groupmates and forming this joy in partnership throughout the process =) It makes learning fun that way. I had a great time working with you weili, unlike the other engine guy. Haha.
For some people, the product is important. For other people, the process is important. Maybe there are even some who think both are important! Depends on individuals. Having a mixture of types may be the best.
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