Introduction
Groups could be developed and sustained in various settings and circumstances. In the academic setting, for instance, groups are revealed to be established to perform identified tasks. In local communities, there are groups which are established for the purpose of fulfilling civic goals. Some of the activities include promoting children’s welfare through educational programs, enhancing health awareness, and undertaking endeavors that focus on environmental protection and conservation. Likewise, there are courses in various academic levels that require projects to be undertaken in groups. A course in English was remembered to require group presentation on the topic of effective communication techniques. In addition, science projects focus on conducting experiments or preparing innovative research on various scientific endeavors to be undertaken in groups. In this regard, the current discourse hereby aims to present and analyze aspects of group development through an examination of group goals, social interdependence, and group communication.
Does the group have clear and specific goals? Explain why or why not. If not, suggest new goals or methods for developing new goals.
The group had clear and specific goals at the onset. The group was formed for the specific purpose of coming up with an innovative and creative science project made from recyclable materials. Likewise, the criteria for judging the best project was also revealed to enable members to comply and adhere to the given standards.
Are group members interdependent? If so, provide examples. If not, describe exercises or processes that may be used to increase interdependence.
The group members were also interdependent. The fact that the effective undertaking of roles and responsibilities of each member would significantly contribute to the success and completion of the project was a clear indication of social interdependence. For instance, all members were expected to provide suggestions for project that were viable and doable. As such, the next phase was dependent on the quality of suggestions that would be presented by each member. The other members who were tasked to gather the needed recyclable materials were expected to exhibit creativity and innovation in their selection. These factors would be instrumental and contributory to the criteria on ingenuity and innovativeness.
In addition, the ability of the group leader to motivate each member was also crucial for the success of the project. The leader’s was expected to be fair, to delegate tasks equitably, and to monitor the progress and performance of each group member to determine the progress and performance at each stage of development.
Finally, all members were expected to be sensitive to the needs of other members
especially in finding out how assistance could be provided. The unselfish sharing of ideas, as well as the cohesive efforts of the members, exhibited interdependence.
Does the group communicate effectively? If so, provide examples. If not, identify aspects of the group’s communication that can be improved.
The group was able to communicate effectively. The leader ensured that open communication was enforced. Contact details of each member were provided and exchanged for easy communication and feedback. However, at the stage when the group was still in the formation phase, there seemed to be some difficulties and challenges in communication. Since the members did not know each other, there were some apprehensions from the members to ask or inquire on matters pertaining to the performance of tasks. As a result, the group leader called an emergency meeting and discussed matters that need to be resolved. Likewise, the group leader asserted that each member should not hesitate to contact other members or the group leader to resolve any concerns about the project. In addition, a clear time frame to complete various phases of the science project was explicitly relayed to avoid missing the deadline. Therefore, since then, no barriers to communication were noted and all issues regarding the progress of the science project went smoothly according to schedule.
Conclusion
The current discourse successfully identified aspects of group development through a closer examination of group goals, social interdependence, and group communication. With clarity in goal setting, delegation of roles and responsibilities, as well as in exhibiting effective communication, the project turned out to be a success. The group was able to design a science project made from recyclable materials that won in the Science Fair.
