Working in groups can end up a major success or a total nightmare. It all depends on how well you and your group members play with others. Remember to stay flexible when listening to ideas, stay positive about your group (no gossiping!), listen attentively and compromise when necessary. If all goes well, you could gain a new friend to go with your excellent grade.

1. Project Assigned

2. Get Organized ASAP!
Exchange contact info and set your project timeline including group meetings right after you receive the assignment. You should meet at least twice before your project is turned in.

3. Figure Out Roles.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the assignment and know exactly what needs to be done. Now is the time to ask your professor any questions.

4. Group Meetings!
Stay on point and have an agenda for the meeting. Come prepared and let everyone summarize where they are with their work.

5. Need a Topic!

6. Avoid Group think!
This is when a group is so eager to reach a consensus, all members agree without exploring other ideas. It's hazardous to your grade.

7. Brainstorm!
Everyone has an idea! Reach a consensus regarding direction that is best for the group.

8. Genius Idea Created!
Time to get to work.

9. Project Checkpoint!
Establish a checkpoint timeline for different stages within the project to make sure everything is on task.

10. Someone is Work Shirking.
Go back two spaces and talk to him or her. If still not cooperating, reach out to your professor.

11. Workload Balance Achieved!
Everyone is doing his or her fair share.

12. Home Stretch!
Everything's coming together nicely. Good time to meet for first time review and help session.

13. Murphy's Law Strikes!
Everything that can go wrong will go wrong.

14. Saved by Your Time Cushion.
In case trouble strikes, aim to finish your project a few days early. This cushion will help prevent major stress and possible catastrophes on the actual due date.

15. Final Review!
Ask a friend or campus resource to help review your project. An extra set of eyes is beneficial for a big project with an influence on your grade.

16. Practice Your Presentation.
Divide out who is going to say what, test AV equipment and do a run through using your visuals.

17. Due Date!
You've turned it in and completed the presentation. The stress is over…until the grades come out.

Working in groups can end up a major success or a total nightmare. It all depends on how well you and your group members play with others. Remember to stay flexible when listening to ideas, stay positive about your group (no gossiping!), listen attentively and compromise when necessary. If all goes well, you could gain a new friend to go with your excellent grade.

1. Project Assigned

2. Get Organized ASAP!
Exchange contact info and set your project timeline including group meetings right after you receive the assignment. You should meet at least twice before your project is turned in.

3. Figure Out Roles.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the assignment and know exactly what needs to be done. Now is the time to ask your professor any questions.

4. Group Meetings!
Stay on point and have an agenda for the meeting. Come prepared and let everyone summarize where they are with their work.

5. Need a Topic!

6. Avoid Group think!
This is when a group is so eager to reach a consensus, all members agree without exploring other ideas. It's hazardous to your grade.

7. Brainstorm!
Everyone has an idea! Reach a consensus regarding direction that is best for the group.

8. Genius Idea Created!
Time to get to work.

9. Project Checkpoint!
Establish a checkpoint timeline for different stages within the project to make sure everything is on task.

10. Someone is Work Shirking.
Go back two spaces and talk to him or her. If still not cooperating, reach out to your professor.

11. Workload Balance Achieved!
Everyone is doing his or her fair share.

12. Home Stretch!
Everything's coming together nicely. Good time to meet for first time review and help session.

13. Murphy's Law Strikes!
Everything that can go wrong will go wrong.

14. Saved by Your Time Cushion.
In case trouble strikes, aim to finish your project a few days early. This cushion will help prevent major stress and possible catastrophes on the actual due date.

15. Final Review!
Ask a friend or campus resource to help review your project. An extra set of eyes is beneficial for a big project with an influence on your grade.

16. Practice Your Presentation.
Divide out who is going to say what, test AV equipment and do a run through using your visuals.

17. Due Date!
You've turned it in and completed the presentation. The stress is over…until the grades come out.