Group work is a normal part of uni life. It’s a great way to develop your collaboration and communication skills while preparing for the workplace. 

Working in groups is not without its challenges, however. Get the most out of group work by following these tips: 

Establish expectations 

Effective teamwork starts with clear goals. Get off on the right foot by: 

  • ensuring everyone understands the assessment task and objectives 
  • discussing and agreeing to shared deadlines 
  • deciding on team roles and responsibilities 
  • scheduling regular meetings with agendas. 

Use digital tools 

Make the most of your student access to Microsoft 365: 

  • Teams lets you chat, create and join online meetings, and share documents with your teammates. 
  • Whiteboard makes it easy to brainstorm, plan and share with others on a digital canvas, all in real time. 

Create a cohesive environment 

Foster an inclusive environment and encourage everyone to participate. While some people are naturally more confident in groups, others might initially struggle to express their ideas. You may need to ask quieter participants if they have any contributions to make. 

And remember – different perspectives and ideas can lead to innovation and deeper understanding. 

Discover more about working in groups.