Suggestions for Students: How to Be an Effective Group

• Be sure everyone contributes to discussion and to tasks.
• Don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. Be sure that minority ideas are considered.
• Don’t assume consensus because no one has opposed an idea or offered an alternative. Check agreement with each group member verbally, not just by a vote.
• Set goals – immediate, intermediate, and long-term – but don’t be afraid to change them as you progress.
• Allocate tasks to be done. Be sure that each person knows what he or she is to do and what the deadline is. Check this before adjourning.
• Be sure there is agreement on the time and place of the next meeting and on what you hope to accomplish.
• Before ending a meeting, evaluate your group process. What might you try to do differently next time?

Source:
McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers
Svinicki, M, McKeachie, WJ, 2011