Evaluation of How the Group Worked and Individual Input - Essay Example

Reflection Report

Social engagement, especially through group work in the classroom environment, is fundamental for successful assignment completion. The different ideologies brought about by the members provide a holistic approach to the potential study. In addition, working in a group not only fosters the study but builds on inter-personal skills. The art of communication is harnessed as it is also the case for the art of objective research. Working in a group is a social engagement process whereby the formality of studying is brought to an interaction level to harness understanding on the topic of study. As such, it is through social engagement that deep learning, gaining insight, and long lasting knowledge is bound to prevail. Accordingly, from the class environment, the prospects of discussion, investigation, and even application of what is learnt in class is evident in the group work activities. Accordingly, group work, whether in a short or long-term mandate, is an important way towards creating and necessitating interactive learning experiences. In the instance that the group work activities are well designed, there are diverse advantages to the students such as deeper learning of class material, effective communication skills coupled with the cultivation of a sense of in-depth confidence coupled with independence. Therefore, this reflection paper aims towards analysis of the group work activities and the distinctive roles I undertook towards successful completion of the task at hand.

Evaluation of How the Group Worked and Individual Input

In the group activities, a more formal approach to the design was evident. As such, the formal depiction of the group was mainly aimed towards ensuring that each of the members was aware of his or her distinctive roles in the assignment. Furthermore, it was imperative that a formidable approach to the completion of the work was implemented for successful outcomes (Brandler & Roman 2015). However, the interaction platforms indicated a social engagement whereby the group members had to interact to ensure that there is a friendly working environment and that all members understood the tasks set forth for the group. Therefore, the implementation of a collaborative learning model was the most applicable approach to necessitate successful outcomes. The use of the collaborative group model was characterised by the following features:

The Role of the Instructor Was Minimal

The instructor was important as a resource in the group working process. Through the instructor, the major problems were tackled in an effective manner. Furthermore, consultations with the instructor ensured that proper tracking of the progress of the work was evident.

Group members were involved in the defining of the work process. Through defining work process, it was important to set guidelines, divide labour and generate a work schedule. All in all, the definition of the work process was construed towards ensuring that keeping a proper base for the completion of the task was implemented. Furthermore, the group embers were responsible for the defining o how the problem-solving process prevailed.

Hence, through the collaborative group model, it was important that there were diverse roles for the members. As such, in the selection of the responsibilities for the members, the consensus was implemented. Consensus entailed ensuring that a unanimous voting or selection of the main roles. The main roles were:

Team Leader

The team leader was important towards the successful completion of the group assignment. Accordingly, through the team leader, clarification of the aims coupled with agenda of the group work was done. Furthermore, the leader ensured that all members understood their tasks and how they fit into the holistic project. Hence, through the stewardship of the group leader, keeping track of all the deadlines and ensuring that they were met was mandatory.

Monitor

As a role that I held, it entailed diverse activities. As the monitor, it was imperative that I observe the group functioning, clarify communication and oversee the arguments presented in the team. Through analysis of the arguments evident, suggestions on the resolution were made to necessitate successful group work. Furthermore, ensuring that the tasks were completed promptly was my role in the group.

Note-Take or Time-Keeper

The time-keeper was an equally important individual towards the success of the group assignment. Admittedly, the timekeeper was charged with the role of taking notes, summarising discussions and even tracking the time of activities and meetings. Furthermore, the timekeeper maintained an effective communication through the presentation of ideas to the class.

Devil's Advocate

The role was significant since the individual ensured that groupthink was not evident. Furthermore, the sustenance of an enabling environment in which all the member ideas were heard was imperative (Brandler & Roman 2015). In addition to necessitating an equal environment, the devil's advocate ensured that the anticipation of the possible problems and delays were handled beforehand. Through the initiatives of the devil's advocate, success in the mitigation of the strenuous or difficult situations was evident.

Apart from the top leaders in the group, the other members maintained a low-key role in the group activities. Accordingly, the diverse members participated in the discussions, rising of points and even in the problem-solving situations. As such, the group that comprised of individuals from diverse cultures was bound to grapple with conflicts among the teammates. Hence, it was imperative that the team or group members were involved in the conflict resolution process.

Skills Developed

Communication Skills

Therefore, from the above analysis of the group details, my key role as the monitor entailed the earlier mentioned activities. Nonetheless, to ensure communication prevailed at a proper mandate, I implemented diverse strategies. The three main approaches to effective communication entailed:

Ensuring that an open feedback environment: sustaining a group work environment in which the various members could air out their issues was imperative. Accordingly, to ensure that each member's feedback and points were heard, each member had ten minutes at the start of the meeting to communicate distinctive points and feedback. Furthermore, asking questions and giving answers to the diverse issues was as a result of in-depth and comprehensive group policy mandate. Additionally, to ensure that the group members made improvements on their relay of information, each of the team members was allowed to give feedback on the presentation made by an individual. The focus on an open feedback environment was significant especially towards:

Enhancement of trust among the members

Identifying individual strengths and weaknesses in communication

Guard and develop individual listening skills

Additionally, to ensure that communication prevailed in the instance that on of the member was not available. The use of technology was important for the successful relay of information. Accordingly, through mobile phones, video chatting was used to ensure that the member who was not available communicated and related information on the given topic of analysis. Hence, the focus on communication was important to necessitate holistic contribution by the members.

Conflict Resolution Skills

On the other hand, culture was a facet of analysis in the group. As a group that comprised of individuals from different cultures, conflicts were bound to prevail among the group members. Therefore, to ensure that cultural interaction was in a proper and plausible manner, it was imperative that cultural awareness was implemented. In the first meetings, the notion of cultural awareness entailed each member being given time to communicate with his or her culture, what sets him or her apart and the various aspects that are of importance regarding their specific culture. Through the earlier mentioned approach, the various members began to appreciate the cultural diversity in the group thus ensuring cultural cohesion (Brandler & Roman 2015). Furthermore, any conflicts evident among the group members that emanated from cultural diversity were handled in a holistic manner. The members were involved in the decision-making process to ensure that culturally based discrimination does not prevail. Furthermore, in the instance that the conflicts were not solved in a mutually agreeable manner, consultation with the instructor was imminent for further decision making.

Moreover, in the research process on Japan, it was evident that some individuals exuded cultural bias regarding the nation. As such, the cultural bias among the members was based on the cultural aspects of the Japanese community such as their cuisines and traditional beliefs. However, through the focus on empowerment of the members on the need for cultural embrace and understanding of the disparity, there was significant progress in the research process. Accordingly, the individuals who exuded cultural bias even played a more comprehensive role towards successful completion of the task.

Conclusion

All in all, from the analysis of the group process, it was evident that interaction among the diverse members was important towards successful task completion. Through the interaction among individuals from different cultures, a more conclusive approach to research process was evident. Furthermore, the various skills developed were important towards both the social and work environment. The diverse members of the group, through their input, ensured that the group assignment was done in an accurate and holistic manner. Furthermore, despite the evident challenges emanating from cultural disparity, synergy in the decision making was implemented to ensure formidable group work.

Reference

Brandler, S., & Roman, C. P. (2015). Group work: Skills and strategies for effective interventions. Routledge.