How can groups work together to be successful?

How can groups work together to be successful? This was the big question students answered today. I happened to ask students what group norms were and no one knew what I meant by group norms. I explained how group norms are a set of criteria that a group can create to help them be successful on a project. Many people in the business world are familiar with developing group norms!

Students had an opportunity to share their ideas about group norms. They suggested things like respecting ideas of others, making sure everyone in the group had a task, compromising, allowing everyone to share ideas, and listening to classmates. Students then had a chance to create a list of group norms they thought should be included on a list to help a team working on a project be successful. This prep work guided students as they met in their bridge teams to develop group norms that they could all agree on.

Students spent time talking about group norms and developing a list of 3-5 group norms for their bridge group. As we delve into our final project of the year having students create group norms will help them through this challenge of designing a bridge to hold a bucket of sand. I learned the value of this experience and will ask groups to create norms starting in September rather than June. Having them be part of the process empowered students to take ownership of their learning in a group setting.

Here are the norms groups’ thought would help them be successful in working together. What common themes do you notice?

Stay on task

Everyone should be working

Respect all opinions

Agree to disagree

Don’t try to take control

Compromise

Stay on task

Disagree respectfully

Don’t rely on one person

Share work equally

Be sure to compromise

Stay on task

Be aware of other’s opinions

Agree to disagree

Compromise

Cooperate

Be nice

Share work

Work together

Be open to new ideas

Compromising

Do not put the work on ne person

Respect other’s ideas

Agree with your group

Empathy

Equal share of work

Voice volume/focus

Compromise

Be a good classmate