Our group worked exceptionally well for this project even though we had some minor setbacks. Our group members consisted of Caroline, Taley, Sydney, Allison and Danielle. This project allows us to combine our ideas and receive input from different people with different perspectives. We all had different topics pertaining to the various conflicts that occur in the medical field. Each of us had ideas on how we wanted to do our presentation—we compiled separate lists of ideas, which we combined and used to brainstorm further ideas. From our collaborative effort, were able to create a presentation we believed made to the best of our abilities. We did everything to ensure there was effective communication within our group. We exchanged contact information such as email addresses and phone numbers, so everyone could keep in touch as our project progressed. All group members proved to be effective communicators—each had a clear idea on what they wanted to do and how they were going to do it. We constantly emailed, called and text messages each other to make sure everyone was on task and was clearly understood what was going in the progression of the project. Tasks were discussed, defined, scheduled, assigned, and carried out and split based on task difficulty and who felt comfortable performing the task. Some volunteered for certain tasks while others did not mind being assigned to whichever task that needed to be completed. Everyone was motivated and helpful towards each other.

We did what was necessary to effectively perform our task role, which was to create a fun and informative presentation. I believe this project is a good opportunity to learn to negotiate and communicate among others.

I think our group worked really well together – every member of the group respected each other. There was a feeling of group cohesion. We all felt that if needed, other members would most certainly be willing to help another in need. I also noticed that we were all very appreciative of each other’s work and the overall positive attitude made this project an enjoyable one. There was an open willingness to put in our fair share of work and to not be afraid to speak our minds if we felt a certain way in which certain tasks should be executed. All members brought good ideas to the assignment.

Prior to creating the PowerPoint, we met together in McKeldin and generated ideas on how we wanted to make our presentation. Everyone was very enthusiastic and willing to contribute his or her thoughts and ideas. In terms of putting in a fair collaborative effort, I think everyone contributed fairly to the work that needed to be done.

There was no clear leader in our group. I would say that each one of us used leadership skills at some point. Whether it was leading a meeting, or taking the initiative to start the PowerPoint, all five of us were effective, decisive, and direct in making decisions. In a way, we were all leaders of our group at some point. Each of us assumed an active role as a group participant, and each of us exerted leadership in the group at various times. We influenced each other’s behaviors and actions and encouraged each other to dedicate time on this project. Because of time constraint, we divided both the presentation parts and the skit performance parts evenly, and each group member was responsible for their part during the presentation. We had high expectations for ourselves and for each other, and would not let one or another down. In the end, I believe that everyone in the group did their best. The group work has no doubt in my mind, expanded my understanding of the power of assessment and of different forms of assessment (group assessment, self-assessment, peer-assessment).

There are various advantages of working in a group. It divides the workload and a single person does not have to worry about by him or herself. We have the support of other group members and by working in a collaborative effort, different and expanded ideas are brought to the table. We are able to get more information and knowledge on any given topic. By the end of the project, each of us have developed more knowledge and skills for future use, shared responsibility and fostered a willingness to take more risks. However, it has small disadvantages as well. The biggest disadvantage to this project was that it was extremely time-consuming. We had to find time to meet in McKeldin library, which was difficult due to our busy schedules and separate but equally important obligations. We had to be understanding of each other’s needs and priorities. As a result, we were in constant email communication, sending ideas and drafts of our PowerPoint back and forth. Although being in a group was time-consuming, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and would enjoy having the opportunity to work with my group once again. So yes, I personally feel very lucky to be part of this project and to be able to work with my group members and I am (as I am sure everyone is too) very proud of the work that we have done together.