How to succeed at group work

A core element in any higher education in Denmark is group work. This is not only because it is a good way to ensure that you get help with the academic work, but it is also a good exercise in collaborating with others. And the benefits of being part of a study group go far beyond the study period and into working life, where you can draw on these skills.

However, it is an exercise and a skill to find common ground in the group. The sometimes pleasant and productive way of working can very suddenly change to being burdensome and unproductive. And then you wonder why the others are so difficult to work with; perhaps you even go so far as to articulate it. But is it the whole truth?

During your programme, you will undoubtedly become familiar with group work. How well you work together depends on how the constellation in the group is in relation to the tasks to be solved.

Many – if not all – places of study make sure that you join a study group in the first semester. And just like in a workplace, it’s important to make that dynamic work.

Therefore, it is important that you get your expectations aligned – what interests, preferences and strengths you each have; what strenghts do you bring to the group, where are your weaknesses and what do you need help with from others.

Almost nine out of ten first-year students at all higher educations in Denmark become acquainted with a study or project group during the first year of study. This is shown by figures from Denmark’s Evaluation Institute (EVA), which asked 11,000 first-year students about their experiences with group work as a form of work.

In this section we have listed five general areas where group work is particularly beneficial. Click on the headline to read the details.

It is important to be aware of which mechanisms are in play and how to ensure that group work becomes a good experience.

It is not a matter of fact that it is an instant success from day one. You can end up in a group where you have no influence on who you will work with. According to EVA’s studies, 70% of the cases are fixed study groups where you work together across different subjects, while for 30% of the students it changes over the course of the semester.

If you have the opportunity to choose yourself, it is important to think about the academic output as your number one priority. It may seem counterintuitive, but your best friend may not be your best sparring partner when it comes to problem solving.

According to the study guide, people can be divided into two groups when it comes to the strategy for solving a task.

There are marathon runners and then there are the sprinters.

The marathon runners are the ones who keep a slow but steady pace until the job is done. And then there are the sprinters, who might put off the work a bit, but on the other hand are really good at keeping a cool head and working efficiently when the deadline approaches.

Therefore, comprise your group according to different strengths. This way you don´t get annoyed if one of your team members is underperforming when you are doing the synopsis. On the other hand, it may be the one person who sits until 4 o´clock at night before the deadline and proofreads or checks the last sources.

1. Reconciliate expectations:It is important to discuss how much time and commitment each person is expected to contribute. Feel free to make a joint contract or agreement about who does what.
2. Distribute the roles clearly: Assign specific roles to each group member, e.g. coordinator, researcher, writer, or presenter.
   Clear roles can reduce confusion and ensure that everyone knows what their responsibilities are.
3. Establish regular communication channels: Decide how best to keep in touch, e.g. via Messenger, Slack or another platform where everyone can easily communicate.
4. Arrange regular meetings: Regular meetings (physical or online) provide structure and the opportunity to keep each other updated on progress. Use the meetings to evaluate the work process and adjust plans if necessary.
5. Be proactive about conflicts: It is natural that disagreements can arise, but it is important to deal with them early and in a respectful way. Focus on solutions rather than blame.
6. Create a culture of open dialogue: Encourage everyone to feel comfortable sharing their concerns or challenges. It can reduce frustration and create a better work dynamic.
7. Create a positive working environment: It is easier to be motivated if the atmosphere in the group is good. Praise and recognize each other’s efforts, and make sure to have an element of fun and socialising along the way.
8. Remember to take breaks and celebrate milestones: Make sure you take breaks and mark when you reach important milestones. It can help keep morale up and make work more satisfying.

There are very, very few workplaces where you work completely alone. At least within the technical and scientific fields. Regardless of whether you are an engineer at DTU or a biologist in a health tech company, you will be working with a lot of different people.

So there are many good reasons to take group work seriously. Both academically, but of course also socially. The probability that you share some common ground is high because you have chosen to study the same thing.

So embrace group work and see it as a huge opportunity to learn from your fellow students and an experience you can take with you into working life, where you will most likely have to work with people who take on roles different from you.