The Concept of Group Work - Essay Example

Individual reflective account of my group exercise

Group work has proved to be one of the most effective strategies of curriculum transaction in the teaching–learning process. Studies have revealed that teamwork enhances not only the productivity of the group but of the participating individual members as well. The concept of collaborative learning and peer learning has reshaped the classrooms and students develop new skills through discussion, task preparation and division of tasks, cooperation, interaction, participation, mutual encouragement, collective responsibility, and mutual sharing of ideas. For team works to be successful, each member needs to contribute to the group’s cause and the individual differences and diversities of the participants can bring about various perspectives on the work assigned; therefore, students are better equipped to choose the best alternative derived out of their discussion. No doubt, our team’s group work of designing and implementing a job interview has convinced me how group dynamics is at work and the task has provided me with fresh insights regarding the concepts of group performance, individual performance, and new skills development.
The process of designing and implementing the job interview in groups was interesting and each one put his best efforts to prepare a flawless and competent pre-interview checklist. In the preparation of the pre-interview checklist, the ideas of each member of the group were significant and special care was employed by the group to select competent panel members for the interview; the date, time, and venue of the interview were fixed, the job specifications were studied in detail and a comprehensive questionnaire was prepared, and an environment where the interviewee is completely comfortable was carefully set. The next step was to identify the necessary skills and qualities that are required of each participant in the interview. It was really useful for me to listen to the ideas of others in the group and I noticed with astonishment how each one had his own unique ideas and outlooks. The most essential requirements were finalized by the group that included the candidates’ educational qualification (honors Degree), teaching experience, ability to supervise, subject competency, ability to be tolerant and open-minded, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, dedication, time management, and aptitude towards teamwork. Keeping in mind the required skills of the desirable candidates, our group formulated questions by which responses from the candidates could be elicited and their skills could be analyzed and evaluated.
The group work was of extreme help to me as I understood that individuals could attain more productivity while working in groups than working independently. I am sure that our teamwork has improved my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It has enhanced my leadership qualities, interpersonal and communication skills, analytical and cognitive skills, and collaborative, organizational, and management skills. Besides, the designing and implementing of the job interview convinced me of the various procedures of conducting a job interview and offered me a clear picture of what the employers are seeking out of the candidates. As pointed out by the Australian Universities Teaching Committee, I am sure that peer learning improves the ‘overall quality of student learning’, develops ‘specific generic skills sought by employers, and reduces the workload of both students and teachers (Assessing Group Work 2002). To conclude, it can be acknowledged that group works make learning interesting and challenging and one gets the best opportunity to develop one’s individual skills through group work. Read More