How can one not seem like a jerk in group projects? I’m a perfectionist/GPA-obsessor who always wants things done correctly and accurately. The problem is that one of my classes is overrun by senioritis and generally sub-par students (tried switching into another class and got rejected by guidance, ugh). My partners are pretty vapid and their work is subpar, but when I try to fix it I get called out for interfering. I don’t want to be known as a neurotic $#@%& but I don’t want my grade to suffer. I can’t do the project myself (I already tried asking the teach), so I’m kind of in a bind. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to seem less abrasive in group projects?
One thing that classmates did that was helpful was at the beginning of the project, discuss goals for the class. The folks who weren’t that interested in the material and who might have been focused on other classes would be assigned tasks like typing, formatting graphics, etc. The ones who were more invested would do more of the heavy lifting. And of course, we’d take into account each other’s skills. But the conversation at the beginning clarified expectations, both for the group and for the individuals in it.
If you want an A, they should be happy to get one too, but you may end up doing more work. Since you were prepared to do the whole project on your own, though, that’d work, right? If they are happy for Bs, you are unlikely to motivate them to an A level.
Be clear on deadlines if you are using their work for the next phase. It’s really about honest communication and then doing what was agreed.
Agree with the above. You could put together a list of jobs (including putting together the references, slides, charts, etc) and the students could select what they want to do. Are you doing this on Google docs or dropbox where you can easily see who is accessing or adding to the files each week? You could comment positively on who was contributing (without mentioning who wasn’t) as a gentle nudge to the people who aren’t contributing yet…
Also offer to be the editor of the document and tell them you may change wording so that it has a common “voice”.
Talk to the Professor about this issue
Come up with an outline as a proposl that people can comment on.
I mean don’t think lowly of your peers, to begin with. Split up the work and give the most substantial work to yourself.
Also talk to your teacher. If they aren’t doing their share then it seems absurd that she won’t let you switch to another group.
Honestly, if you want an A you have to do most of the work. Your group might piggyback off you and will probably take advantage of not having do the work but you’ll get your A. As someone who has a pretty bad case of senioritis, it is real and there is no cure. There’s virtually nothing you can do to motivate them.