chapter 7 grappling with group work

Question 1

How to get started

Answer 1

• Getting to know each other
• Deciding how the group will operate
• Developing a shared understanding of
  the task
• Keeping it going
• Presentation or submission of the group
  assignment

Question 2

How will the group operate

Answer 2

• Make a plan of action
• Allocate tasks, drawing timeline with deadlines
  and arranging meetings
• Divide the task into smaller parts
• Tell the group what it is you want to do, but be ready to
  negotiate a compromise
• Everyone needs to be prepared to carry out tasks that they
  may not have volunteered for but which need doing
• Draw a timeline that clearly shows when
  everyone needs to complete their part of the
  task and when each major section needs to be
  ready.
• Your allocated task may take longer than you
  think so spread out the work.
• Don’t leave things to the last minute!
• Use a study planner and work
  backwards from the deadline to create
  a timeline showing when each stage of
  the task needs to be completed.

Question 3

How will the group develop a shared understanding of the task?

Answer 3

• In order to successfully complete your task, it is important
  that you understand it individually and as a group.
• Read all information carefully, and note any questions to
  discuss with the group.

Question 4

How will the group keep it going?

Answer 4

❑ Keep communicating regularly regardless of
whether things are going smoothly or not.
❑ Maintain group rapport
❑ be sympathetic to genuine problems group
members may experience
❑ be willing to compromise when
appropriate.
▪ Make sure that everyone knows what they are preparing
and presenting each time you meet.
▪ Set a plan for the following meeting.
▪ Consult with the team to reach a consensus before
going ahead and making changes.
Transparency is important.
➢ If it is impossible for you to meet a
deadline, notify your team immediately
so that adjustments can be made.
➢ Be aware though that if you miss a
deadline, this may affect the
assignment quality and the other group
members’ schedules and commitments.
* Be open to giving and receiving
feedback on how the task is
progressing, but be considerate in
how you express your feedback.
* Regularly check the group’s
progress against the timeline to
ensure tasks are on schedule.

Question 5

What are the 9 things to consider to improve teamwork ?

Answer 5

1. Cognition ( understanding )
2. Cooperation
3. Conflict
4. Coaching ( leadership )
5. Culture
6. Composition
7. Context
8. Communication
9. Coordination

Question 6

What is Dr. Bruce W. Tuckman’s Team-Development Model, and how does it help groups?

Answer 6

Dr. Bruce W. Tuckman’s Team-Development Model is a framework that helps guide groups in understanding and improving their collaboration. It explains how teams develop maturity and ability over time, building relationships and improving efficiency. The model is especially helpful in training people for group work, allowing teams to reach their full potential. As the team evolves, the leader adjusts their leadership style to fit the team’s growing capabilities and dynamics.