I know, I know, there is an A in the word team, that the clique goes, “There’s no I in team;” but I believe that when it comes to academics that there’s no A goes all the way.
Although I don’t know who came up with the phrase, I do know that it’s said to encourage people who normally don’t like to share or work with others to do just that. And while that is a great (really it is) ideal, it isn’t realistic. Even more important is that the message being sent to students is a mixed one; ending in dismal results.
In every student’s life there are group projects. Usually it’s brought up with big projects, where parts can be broken down, and then distributed amongst the group. In an ideal world each person would work diligently on their assigned part, spend time as group making sure all of those pieces fit together perfectly, and smile with content looks on their faces as they receive the grade worthy of an A, for a ‘job well done.’ But we all know the reality of that. In fact, I can guarantee that each person reading this right now has a story they can share of when that didn’t happen to them. I myself can think of three.
So, why do we continue to do this? Why as educators do we still believe that group projects work? Who thought of them to begin with? If it’s to better prepare students for later life and working, I have two questions. One, why do we want to make school like work? And when does that actually happen at the office? It doesn’t; it’s the person who works the hardest for themselves that wins; or the person who screws over the others, takes all the credit and glory, and still wins.
Personally, I think that group projects should be part of the learning experience. Yet, I would take it from being larger graded work to more of an in-class set up. Then, students will understand the practicality of it, but not be hindered by the grade aspect.
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