Mock Group Project Self Reflection

The Group Work
1. What have I contributed to the group project?
In our mock project, I’m involved in several tasks. One of them is setting the agenda of our meeting and also deciding on homework tasks for team members. I’ve also helped in researching for the Peak Oil debate, from a National point of view. After I’ve collected relevant information, I summarized them in the form of a table. Then, my group had to decide on our project outcome and through our brainstorming and discussions, we decided on presenting data in the form of a mockumentary- a combination of a spoof and a documentary. After watching a few Nigahiga videos, I gave suggestions on how we can animate our video so that it would be more engaging, but at the same time effectively convey our information. I also took part in writing the script of the mockumentary with my team members. With the help from my team members, I created a Gantt Chart that helped my team organize our work more effectively and ensure that we can meet deadlines on time.

2. What would I do differently next time?  Why?
In our mock group project, I felt that Terry, one of my teammates, was rather left out from our conversations and discussions. His passive nature agrees with whatever we as a group decide, but little in giving suggestions. Thus, next time, I’ll try to be more inclusive in our discussions, so that he will be a more active member

3. What have I learnt about working together?
I’ve learnt the importance of communication from several weeks of team work. It is important for us to voice out our opinions effectively and engage actively in discussions. If there are areas where I am unsure of, I always make sure that I consult my team members so that they can guide me. Keeping to ourselves even when we don’t understand what is going on should be avoided at all cost because this attitude would disturb the mechanics of the team. Working together also taught me to be a better listener. In a team, we take turns in giving ideas, so I’ve learnt to listen ardently and give considerable thought to ideas put up by team members.

4. What has been good/challenging about working as part of a group?
There are many advantages in working in a group. For me, team work has helped in conceiving new ideas. Brainstorming sessions help to develop creative  ways of completing our tasks, which might not be possible if we are doing it individually. Team work also enables us to complete tasks more efficiently. For example, for the Peak Oil debate, rather than researching all areas of it, we divided it into several sections and allocated them among team members. Team work also makes learning more interesting and engaging as we get to exchange views and share ideas. However, one thing to avoid is getting distracted while carrying out tasks. Sometimes, discussions can go off topic, which results in little work being done. While having fun, we must always keep in mind to stay focused at the same time.

What have I learnt doing the project?
1. What have I learnt about;
a) deciding on and planning a project?
Planning is essential before we carry out the actual task. Therefore, we must give considerable time in the planning process so that everything runs smoothly when we start work. This process is the key foundation of any process and so it has to be done intricately and carefully.

b) planning and producing research?
Like any research work, it must be based on reliable sources- not from any website that people on the web can edit easily and tamper with data. However, when researching on a topic that you are unfamiliar with, it is acceptable to get a rough idea of what it is about from Wikipedia, but we should always avoid quoting from Wikipedia because the information is deemed unreliable. Always quote data from academic websites.

c) reading and presenting my ideas?
When we suggest ideas to our team members, always support them with explanations. Your team members might not understand the relevance of your ideas, so it is essential that we patiently and confidently explain the gist to them.

d) time management?
I’ve learnt the importance of completing tasks on time. If we don’t practice this habit, our work would pile up, which compromises the momentum of the team. Thus, it is important to give a suitable duration to our tasks and more importantly sticking to the deadline.

2. What would you do differently to develop these skills?
I’m satisfied with how the whole process shaped these skills in me.

3. How did I approach my individual contribution?
I was very committed in my group work. I was ready to contribute in any way that would benefit my team. Whenever I’ve completed tasks allocated to me, I’m always prepared to receive useful feedback from my team members and repair my weaknesses from there.
4. What are the most valuable points I have learnt?  Why?
Everyone’s listening skills definitely improved from this mock project. In my group, we gave everyone the opportunity to have a say in the decisions that we make. The process is that we have to get majority’s consent before giving the green light, and I believe that made us more cohesive.