How to make the most of group work, remotely

Group work offers you the opportunity to develop a variety of skills which can help you through your studies, in future jobs and life in general! These skills may include collaboration, co-operation, empathy and resourcefulness. However, group work can be challenging in the best of times, let alone during remote learning.  

Here are a few tips from your student advising team that can help you flourish while working in groups:

1. Get to know your group members.

Remote learning can feel isolating to some so spend some time getting to know the people you’ll be collaborating with. Although you don’t see each other in class or in the halls right now, you’re all managing similar courses loads while studying through a global pandemic. Give each other virtual high fives and praise because this is no easy feat!

2. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

Review what is expected of you as a group. It’s important to know when your project or assignment is due, how you are supposed to submit it, and how you will be evaluated. What are the roles that need to be filled? Who is going to take on what role? Does anyone have competing deadlines in other courses that may be an issue for meeting deadlines? These are important discussion to have as a group early on.

3. Outline timelines and checkpoints for you group.

How often will your group meet? When do you all want to have the project completed by? It’s ideal to aim for a few days ahead of the submission deadline to leave time to make last-minute adjustments or additions.

4. Communication is key.

As a group, make sure you choose a communication platform that everyone feels confident and comfortable with (e.g., Webex, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, Google Docs). Be considerate of group members who have children or family at home, or who study internationally with varying time zones, or who have work schedules to accommodate. Be flexible and creative to make meetings and check-ins work for all members.

5. Be empathetic and forgiving.

Sometimes, life happens. If you haven’t heard from a group member or someone has to cancel last minute, remind yourself that we’re all working and studying through challenging and unprecedented times.

6. When in doubt, ask your faculty for advice.

Are you experiencing group conflict that direct, positive communication can’t fix? Not sure how to tackle an aspect of the project? Get help, and early on.

Additional group work resources

You can also check out these resources from The Learning Portal to help make sure your group is on the same page from the start. They include templates for a group meeting agenda and a group contract.