6 Reasons Why Group Projects Should Be Banned
Start writing a post
Entertainment

6 Reasons Why Group Projects Should Be Banned

Group work doesn't always make the dream work

7875
6 Reasons Why Group Projects Should Be Banned
Yahoo Images for Group Project

We’ve all been there, the professor says “okay class, we have a group project due soon” and instantaneously the whole lecture hall goes quiet or groans. Group projects while some professors deem as “necessary” actually end up stressing out students’ and frustrating them.


While we get the reasoning behind group projects, they just shouldn’t be required to do, especially towards the end of the year. Here are 6 reasons why group projects should be banned, effective immediately:

1. Communication


First, we live in a world full of communication devices. Email, texting, GroupMe, Instant Messaging, we could even go back to carrier pigeon if we wanted to. Group chat doesn’t always lead to healthy discussion or even any discussion whatsoever. Sometimes members don’t talk to one another at all, and some only talk to criticize other group member's hard work and effort that they put into the end product. Some professors even forbid meeting in person to discuss the project and all communication must be done in a group chat setting where said professor can monitor the dialogue.

2. High Performing Students Have to Reduce the Quality of Their Work


Many of the students who produce high-quality projects individually, once they are in a group setting have to reduce their quality of their work because another group member doesn’t agree or understand. In the end, these students feel angst towards the end of the project because they do not feel good about the final product the group is submitting.

3. Interpersonal skills often do not improve:

When this is one of the sole purposes of the dreaded group project. Learning to balance between individual and group work is one thing, but a good portion of the time trying to develop these “skills” ends up where everyone in the group is totally frustrated with one another until someone steps up to calm the situation down or it fizzles out on its own. If it's allowed to fizzle out on its own, many times those who are in the argument remain slightly hostile towards the other person(s) whom they had discord with.

4. Learning about the subject is often diminished

This ties back into the communication aspect- with the time spent arguing with group members or trying to plan good days to meet up and work on the project together, learning about the subject matter is often greatly reduced. Not enough time is spent learning about it, but rather planning how to meet up and work on it, and some individuals feel as though their learning has been hindered because of group projects. Being able to work on a project individually would allow students to work at their own pace, learning and absorbing information, and allow the students to complete a project that they felt good about submitting.

5. Deciding who is going to be "the Leader"


While potentially many different ideas of how the group should approach the subject matter are great, eventually there needs to be a clear leader. One who can take charge and commandeer the ship into the proverbial green light. Individuals do not always like who rises to be a leader and either they suck it up and deal with it, or after the first draft of the project, they cast off the only person who has really shown desire to get the project done correctly to the professor's standards. It ends up being a real mess.

5. Unnecessary Stress

With all of the issues from day to day activities that stress each college student out, group projects seem to magnify stress tenfold. From communication to planning and actually working on the project, stress from these projects causes many additional problems then if a student had the opportunity to work on this project alone. The stress level would be greatly reduced because they wouldn't have to deal with the other people in the group and making sure they didn't step on anyone else's toes in order to get the project done in a timely manner.


Now I am not saying that all group members turn out to be horrible people, everyone has their quirks yes. And some come together to have a great and productive group. However, when they are being spiteful and refusing to listen to anything others bring to the table, even if it's closer to what the professor was asking/looking for, it makes working in a group for a project that much more difficult.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71006
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments