2nd post: Describe in detail an interpersonal conflict situation, real or hypothetical. Describe in detail the setting/context of the conflict, the people involved, the main problem, and the possible causes. Try to identify the feelings of the people involved.
Finally, while considering the main problem, articulate it in the form of a question that might be answered in the form of a possible solution by the members of your blogging group.
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It all started out with a reluctant formation of a project group for the entire academic year. A very common conflict problem when there are interactions between different people.
Here is the story:
With three ladies and one guy in the group, it was thought to be a fun project, especially since we are all Chinese and that means we speak common language and likely, share same culture. However, the problem arised when girl A and the boy were absent for many meetings and giving excuses when asked for the reasons of their absence. The incident became more frequent.
Besides our normal subjects and co-curriculum activities, we were obliged to finish this project and do a final presentation to teachers who were not related to us in any way to ensure fair treatment. Since the two "permanent absentees" were not doing their own part, we went on to talk to our form teacher, only to realise that he said he would counsel the two of them and told us to tolerate them. Imagine the cruelty of the statement when it was two people doing a major project which was supposed to be done by four people.
The percentage breakdown for the project placed large emphasis on group presentation which was the one that freaked us (the two of us) out and the "lazy pair" were so calm. It was as though they knew the whole process and all.
The main problem was:
Why did girl A and the boy absent themselves for meetings and the teacher still gives them the benefit of doubt and "protect" them?
Hey there!
ReplyDeleteActually i find such a situation is rather common place these days and i find similarities as compared to a previous situation that i was in when i did a final year project during my polytechnic days.
I guess in such a situation the lecturer would feel rather hard pressed for a diplomatic solution to the problem of people "feeding off" the group. While they are here to grade us fairly in terms of our capabilities, they also act as mentors and guides. I guess in the form teacher's point of view, doing anything more than conselling them such as dropping them from the project would seem draconian and would have serious reprecussions of the students future.
While it is unfortunate that a large portion of the project grading is based on the group presentation, but i believe that on his part, the lecturer is also trying to do his part to seek for a amicable solution to the conflicts, and would judge fairly if there is grading of each students performance.
As for the two non-participating students, it would seem rather unresponsible of them in the way that they shun away from their responsibilities as members of a group. It would have been better of them if they would offer alternatives to meeting on other days if they are unable to turn up.
If it was me, i would be frank to the two members about the problem and discuss with them the problems and difficulties that has be brought about by their constant absence, and hopefully, in the end their work behaviors would improve, I guess no one would want to slog for years only to trip in the final mile. =]
Cheers!
Woei Perng
hey Jia Ling,
ReplyDeleteI think maybe it's better if you can talk directly to girl A and the boy about their absence for the group project. Just like what Woei Perng has said, be frank with them about the problems you are facing with their continuous absence for the project.
In addition, I guess the lecturer is not trying to be biased. Sometimes, it's hard for them to take any action to penalize the students as it might make things worse.
So I think the best way to resolve the problem is probably to talk to the two "permanent absentees" directly. Hopefully they will realize their mistakes and cooperate with you to complete the project.
All the best for your project;-)
Hi Jialing, I empathize with your as I similarly faced a similar problem during my project work for “A” levels.
ReplyDeleteIf I were in your shoes, I would try to find out the reason for their repeated absence from project meetings. I would find a chance to meet them individually face to face and try to find out if there is any other reason for their absence. Are they experiencing family problems? Are they unhappy with the working styles of you and your friend? Is it because they feel that the project topic chosen was not what they had in mind?
Additionally I would list the things needed to be done and make each of them aware that in order to complete the project, they have to fulfill their responsibilities as it is too heavy a workload to be handle by just you and the other member. I would tell them that everyone is equally busy and it is only fair that they contribute and not “free ride” on the work of others – they have their conscience to account for at the end of the day. Hopefully they will be self – aware that their actions are detrimental and put in their share of work.
The reason I feel that the teacher might give them the benefit of doubt instead of pulling them out of the group is that he/she wants to give his/her students a chance to learn teamwork and resolve team conflicts between the own group; giving you a taste of the real working world where the boss might not always be present to right the wrongs. In addition, he/she might be giving a chance to the two students as failing them will have dire consequences on their future and she/he might deem that they deserve a second chance as they are still young. As bulk of the grading is placed on presentation, the teacher might also be not in the position to mark them down in this aspect as they did technically presented and I feel that it is actually a flaw on the project grading system itself.
I hope that you will not meet such group members again in your future. :)
Best regards
Valerie
You describe a very common situation which is tricky for teachers. At one institution I worked in, I used to put all the bad timekeepers in a group together. However, this is not always possible as traits are not obvious at first. If this happens in the survey project, you must alert me.
ReplyDeleteHowever,the truth is that groupwork is common in the workplace and exploitative people are found there too. Probably the healthiest attitude to take is to resign yourself to the situation and persevere. In the end, you will prosper, they won't.
Mrs Richardson