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Choosing Group Partners
Most college classes will require some group work through out the semester. It is important that you understand what type of person you are and what type of people you are working with.
In some classes you can not pick your groups but in most cases you can pick your own partners. Sometimes students stick with their friends or the same group. Friends are not always a good idea because it can ruin a friendship.
Sticking with the same group throughout your classes is a good idea if the group works well and is productive. It is truly an asset if you find a group of students that you work well with and are productive. Once you learn what type of worker you are and tasks you are good at then you must identify these assets in your team members.
You will want to pick students who are serious about getting work done on time, are productive, motivated, and serious. People who tend to be geeks and obsessed with being on the honor roll are always good partners because they tend to take over leadership roles to keep the group on task.
You will want to avoid having too many strong willed people in your group because that tends to lead to arguments and group conflict.
You will want to divide tasks according to everyones strengths and have a clear list of tasks and dates that everyone is to do. Always avoid slackers and misfits because they are usually in college for other reasons besides academic goals.
Always survey the classroom on the first day of class to look for odd behaviors. Also, look around the lobby and lunchroom to see how fellow classmates act in social situations. Some students have rage fits or anger problems that will carry on within the group which will delay the project and end up in a lower grade.
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