By Michelle Kuester–
A sure way to bring out a round of groans and protests from almost any class is the use of two words. Group work. The time when the go-getters do the legwork while the less-than-ambitious take a backseat yet share in the glory. Depending on which type of student you are, chances are that group work is not your favorite task.
“It’s good if you get to choose the groups and the other people actually contribute. It sucks if you are in a group where everyone doesn’t do their part,” said Dakota Linafelter, freshman.
Linafelter’s opinion on group work is shared by others across campus.
“I usually get stuck with people who make me do everything or with people who have such a hectic schedule that it’s hard to meet up. It would just be easier for me if I could do my own work so that I can get the grade that I personally deserve,” said Jill Borer, sophomore.
Jessica de Vega, Professor of Religious Studies, has always been a big proponent of group work.
“I think group work gives students the chance to practice the skills they need to be successful,” she said.
While she recognizes that it can be frustrating and unfair, she believes it to be worth it.
“Having some people do more work than others represents real life,” said de Vega. “Fair doesn’t always work out.”
“We’re doing a disservice to students by not asking them to do group work because it teaches students to manage their differences and conflicts with others,” added de Vega.
Even though it might not seem like it, there appears to be hidden value in getting partnered with the guy who does less than his part of the assignment. And if you are that guy who slacks on the assignment, your best choice is to remind the others in the group that you are just preparing them for the real world.
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