For this post, look at Appendix 2 of the skill builder Documenting Reports 6: Peer Review. Use the questions there as a guide for writing about one aspect of your learning experience, be that your success in teamwork, communication amongst your group, problems encountered, etc.
This research project has been an enriching experience; I have learnt the proper way of writing a professional report and ways to better communicate with others. This project made me see the importance of bringing my message across clearly every time. Sometimes text messages and emails could be misinterpreted, resulting in misunderstandings and reduced efficiency. Hence, I preferred speaking face-to-face and I made it a point to clarify whenever in doubt. Patience was vital, especially since each of us had different working styles. It was, therefore, important that we took the effort and time to know each other better and work along each others’ working styles.
Being part of the team meant every member had a part to play. It was fortunate that both of us in the project group understood that. We did what was assigned to us efficiently and to the best of our abilities.
When doing research, it was important to find reliable sources and get specific information; too much irrelevant information only caused confusion. I also learnt to support my hypotheses and results with substantial secondary data so that it would be convincing.
In preparation for the oral presentation, I wish to adopt a positive and spontaneous attitude. Listening actively to others’ opinions and suggestions, resolving conflicts by finding win-win solutions and understanding what needs to be done will allow me to contribute more to the project at hand.
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6 comments:
It is definitely best for a project discussion to be carried out face-to-face. However, in today's IT savvy society, many students and office workers alike, choose Internet conferencing to conduct meetings over the conventional way. I certainly feel that a face-to-face meeting is more effective so that miscommnication will be minimised. However, it can be difficult to coordinate a time to meet up with your group mates with such hectic schedules. This is where the challenge in group work comes and I am glad to see that you have found a way to work around it.
It is heartening to see that you have managed to communicate well with your group mate despite your differences in working style. Effective communication has definitely allowed you to understand your group mate's intention and this would help to prevent conflicts from arising which might impede your team's progress.
I certainly agree that having meetings in person definitely serves a more efficient and far-reaching effect in completing a project work. However, most of the time, our incompatability of timetables becomes our obstacle in trying to meet up.
In effective teams, each member actively participates in the team process. Ideally, each member contributes equally. But not all members do everything. Differences in skills and abilities are one of the most likely areas of conflict. It is great to know that you are able to complement each other's working styles.
Nevertheless, I am glad that during discussions, you attempt to contribute humour and this in turn builds bridges around the team. This goes to show that you are concerned that everyone is fitting in the group and watch out for others' feelings and attitudes.
This definitely eases tension and fosters a positive spirit.
It is remarkable to see that you understand the factors needed for success in practically every area in the project and make the effort to achieve them, from the research process to the principles of effective writing, to developing a healthy work relationship with your teammate and to planning ahead for the oral presentation. Keep up the good work!
"When doing research, it was important to find reliable sources" , that is very true. Nowadays, anyone can post a comment on the internet, therefore there might be certain information that is leading by the writer. It might carry some of the writers personal ideas. Research papers are generally a safer source for infomation.
Glad you have communicated well with your team mate.
To Yingfeng: Our group did find it hard to coordinate meeting times due to clashing class schedules and personal appointments. I am very glad that Teresa was very understanding and willing to accommodate me, hence we could almost always agree on the most suitable time and venue to meet.
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