Introduction to group work
Group work has become an important means of assessment in university. Many subjects require students to collaborate to achieve tasks, which brings its own challenges. So why should we work in groups, and how does it benefit us?
On this page, you will:
- Understand what group work is and why it matters
- Learn how to manage challenging situations in group work settings
- Find information about resources and strategies to help you with your group assignments.
Self evaluation
Before you begin working through the materials on this page, reflect on your previous experience with group work.
Why do we do group work?
Watch the interactive video below. As you watch the video, you will be asked questions to check your understanding.
Teams vs. groups
A group is not always a team. Group work at university requires that all members of a group work as a team.
An effective team has a clear purpose, and each member has an assigned role within the team. A team creates its own processes for achieving tasks, and each member can give and receive feedback. Teams work best when they have a shared goal and can openly work to resolve conflict.
There are some important differences between an effective team and simply a group. What do you think they are? Look at the examples on the right, and drag and drop them into the correct category.
The lifecycle of a team
The concept of a team's lifecycle is key to understanding how teams evolve and function over time. Just like living organisms, teams go through various stages of development, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Recognising these stages can help leaders and team members navigate the complexities of team dynamics more effectively.
Bruce Tuckman's stages of group development
Tuckman (1965) described four stages teams go through during their life. He gave these stages unique names.
Navigate through the slides below to see the features of each stage of Tuckman's group development cycle.
Look at each of the scenarios below and answer the question: Which stage of Tuckman’s team lifecycle is this?
Challenges to teamwork
Challenges in teamwork are inevitable, but there are ways to navigate and grow through them. Teams encounter various obstacles as they progress through their lifecycle, from initial uncertainty and conflicts over roles to the complexities of coordinating efforts and maintaining motivation. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and development.
Managing teamwork challenges
Challenges to teamwork can stem from differences in personalities, communication styles, and individual goals, as well as from external pressures such as tight deadlines and resource constraints. As teams learn to address and overcome obstacles, they build resilience and adaptability, which are essential for long-term success.
The interactive video below outlines three steps to work towards more cohesive and effective teams.
Useful resources for teamwork management
- Explore and use online management tools, such as:
- MS Teams (You can access MS Teams for free via your CDU Student Portal)
2. Learn from each other. Your peers are a very valuable resource.
- Listen to this podcast with a 4th year Engineering student: Pits and peaks of group-work with Luke Logan.
Next steps
- Revisit the self-analysis quiz at the top of the page. Have your responses changed?
- If you would like more support, visit the Language and Learning Advisors page.
Did you know CDU Language and Learning Advisors offer a range of study support options?
https://www.cdu.edu.au/library/language-and-learning-support
