Anyone that goes to Philadelphia University knows that group projects are a huge part of the curriculum. Working in a group can be a great way to meet new people, make new friends and learn from your peers. They are extremely important because in the real world, you rarely work by yourself. The new DEC program is a huge example of this. Although most people are more than willing to do their part, there are a few you will find not so helpful.
Everyone knows college is just one big episode of “Community”
1. The Team Player
My favorite. This guy/girl goes with the flow, takes on the hardest part of the assignment, and doesn’t seek praise or recognition. They are always at the meetings on time, ready to pick up the slack from other group members. If it wasn`t for the team players, your project would get a “C” at best.
2. The No-Show
No one`s really sure if this person is still actually in the class. They show up on the day the project is given and then they disappear. This leaves you with one less person, but what were they really going to contribute anyway?
3. The Master of Excuses
This person will make you believe they genuinely care about the project and will take on multiple tasks, but none of them ever seem to get done. You will hear them at the last group meeting apologizing repeatedly for being blatantly unprepared for a number of reasons. Friend came to visit, fell asleep, computer issues, other homework, etc. Most of the time, they knew all along they weren`t going to do the work. They will show up the day the project is due with the absolute bare minimum.
4. The Control Freak
They will immediately take control of the group and do most of the work because they don`t trust anyone else to get it done. Sometimes, we need these people to keep the group on track, but other times, they are just there to steer the whole project their way and shut down anyone else`s ideas. This person usually has color-coded notebooks/folders, and can be seen carrying a coffee tumbler at all times.
5. The Athlete
There are two kinds of athletes you could possibly have in your group. If you`re lucky, you will get the person who has practice or a game everyday and still manages to maintain honors. They always contribute their fair share to the group and come to every meeting leaving you wondering what kind of magic powers they possess to make this possible. On the other hand, you may not be so lucky and you`ll end up with the athlete who uses his or her spot on the team to excuse themselves from any work. It’s almost impossible to contact them, so you end up having to give them a brief summary of what to say 20 minutes before the group presentation.
5. The BFFs
The best friends who somehow manage to be put in the same group together. All they do is talk to each other about what happened last weekend, what`s happening this weekend, who they like/dislike in the class, what Instagram picture should they post and what the caption should be. The important things.
6. The Complainer
Shuffles into class 10 minutes late and always have their hood up with headphones in. They will bore you with all of their stories about how much they have to do for their other classes and how they don`t have any time to do this pointless project.
Fortunately, these people usually come few and far between, but every now and then we will have to work with at least one person who takes annoying to a whole new level. The best way to deal with lousy group members is to just suck it up and do your best to get a decent grade.