What’s On My Mind – Group Work

Sam Carter
Staff Reporter

I planned on getting away from the topic of school this week but as I sat down in my den with my quill and bottle of ink, my mind could not get away from class. You see, I just received a grade that is… below my standards so to speak, but I did not earn this grade because I did my work; I went above and beyond studying and creating a piece of work that would easily get myself a good grade.

But my grade fell victim to the dreaded and very dangerous group work.

I am so beyond tired of group work! Why does every teacher insist on putting students in groups? Everyone sits around and talks in circles until one person decides to do something that is halfway presentable to turn in. So everyone gets an average grade, rather than the one they probably deserve.

I understand when teachers say, “This is what happens in the real world,” but in the real world I will only work alongside my co-workers. As of now, many students have four to five classes they have homework for, not to mention extracurricular activities and jobs outside of class. This does not give much time for students to meet outside of class and work on a project together.

If teachers set aside times to work on an assignment IN class then I could understand the theory of group work, but instead, it adds more strain just trying to find a time when everyone can meet.

The Average Group: The social diva, the person always leaving for work, the one person ACTUALLY working, and the “moral support” guy.

I’m calling you out, professors and faculty; I know you put us in groups to cut down on your grading load. I took math; I see that six papers are easier to grade than 30, but if we have to come spend money to take these classes and do the work that is assigned, then I don’t think it’s too much to ask that you grade them.

Ok, wow, that got a little heated. I’m sorry for that outburst but I think it’s wrong that I am spending thousands of dollars to go to school and have other people determine my grades.

Your Turn
Do you agree? Is group work a trend that should go away like fanny packs and parachute pants? Should it stay because it is a useful tool? Text in, GROUP if you’re in favor of teachers assigning groups or STOP if you wish to put an end to letting others decide your GPA. The number is the same, 817-480-2319.

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