Read the assignment carefully
It may sound obvious, but reading the assignment thoroughly is the foundation of a successful project. Make sure everyone in the group understands what is expected: what is the goal of the project? What is the final product supposed to look like? And how will it be graded? Getting clarity on these things at the start of the project can prevent a lot of problems and misunderstandings later on.
Team building
Try not to see a group project purely as an obligation, but also as an opportunity to meet new people. That's how I have made several friends from group projects myself! So, don't jump straight to work, but take some time to get to know each other by sharing a bit about yourself. Or even plan a teambuilding activity! In the end, working together often goes more smoothly if you know each other a bit and get along ;).
Discuss expectations
Everyone works differently, so it is important to discuss each other's expectations early in the project. Try to align them and make clear agreements. Will you work together for three hours at a time, or do you prefer short meetings and dividing tasks to complete individually? Are you aiming for a pass or a 10? And how often and when can everyone meet? If possible, schedule regular meetings, ideally at the same time each week. This way, you will stay in touch with each other and be able to identify any potential issues early on.
Discuss each other's qualities
Okay, this might sound like something your project tutor would say, but trust me: discussing each other's qualities can genuinely be very useful. Is someone good at keeping that helicopter view? Then that person could make the schedule and keep track of deadlines. Does someone else speak with ease in front of a large group of people? Then he or she could give the final presentation. By dividing tasks based on qualities, you can work a lot more efficiently as a group.
Planning, planning, planning
Good planning is half the battle. So, make sure to break the whole project into smaller subtasks and agree on internal deadlines for each one. Besides, it is also a good idea to set weekly task allocations and include these in your planning. Finally, aim to finish the project a few days before the deadline. It has happened to me more than once that the references suddenly turned out to be inaccurate in the end. Leaving some space in the planning allows you to solve these kinds of problems in time and correct the last mistakes without unnecessary stress.
Communication
Communication is key! Don't be afraid to share and explain your ideas in the group, but also be open to others' input. And even if you listen carefully to other people's ideas, there are always students who are not so quick to share ideas in the group. Therefore, ask your quiet fellow group members what they think: maybe they have a really good idea that you haven't thought of yet!
Discuss problems
Let’s be honest, sooner or later you will end up in a group with someone who does nothing or does not keep to internal deadlines. If something is not going well, address it immediately. Ignoring the issue will only lead to more frustration, and that does not make the project more enjoyable. And who knows, the student slacking off might not do this consciously, but could just be struggling with their task.
Prepare the presentation
At last, the end of your group project is in sight: the report has been handed in and you have chosen a presenter. Even though you might be tired of the project by now, take the time to meet one last time to prepare the presentation. Practise together, time how long the presentation takes, and think about critical questions you might get. Being well-prepared will help you present confidently and could even earn you that extra point.
