When Professor Kurpis told us that Wednesdays class would be one of the most interesting classes we've ever had, he wasn't kidding. Its not every day where you're asked to drop raw eggs in class. When I walked in on Wednesday, I was dumbfounded to see a dozen eggs, a box of straws, and tape. No one could even begin to think what we would be doing with all this stuff. When we were told what we had to do, the class blurted out in laughter; it wasn't exactly what most of us were expecting. Thankfully, I was happy with most of my group members and we worked together well.
For the most part, we followed pretty much all the steps in the 25 minute planning process. We were quite organized and followed something like a protocol. We addressed priorities first and took care of the less important things last. We spent most of our planning time trying to come up with a suitable idea for something to protect our egg from cracking. Not only did we have to think about it but we also had to try to "sell" the idea to our fellow group members. The majority of us agreed on a said design but it didn't turn out as planned. When the team was given its supplies, we were still discussing our best option to protect the egg. While we were doing this, two of our group members started building their "idea" of what we were going to build. At this point, we didn't have enough time to start all over again and build what we wanted and it wasn't worth getting into an arguement. Although a few members of the group, including myself, did not agree with what was being done, we all helped because after all...there's no "i" in team.
It's a shame some of the team members didn't consult the others when they started working on their own design. At least you had sense enough to not argue about it and try to make the best of the situation. You managed your pride and worked with the situation.
ReplyDeleteYour experience any my group experience was so similar. I read your post and scratched my head then said, "Wait, was he in my group." But yeah, we had conflicting ideas and I didn't argue either. It's not the end of the world. We will be able to redeem ourselves. Definitely, a learning experience.
ReplyDeleteIt very interesting that some of your group members started to exercise their ideas without cooperating with the rest of the group because team work and fairly equal participation in a project that was one of the goal this exercise must have taught us as I think. In today's working place more and more people face a very strong necessary to communicate with other workers and share responsibilities among each other in order to be successful. From this point of view some of your team members could have a disadvantage of inability to work in a team which can be crucial for future success. I was very lucky to be a part of a team where all members were listening to each others opinions and collectively discussing them. But I think it very valuable to share the experience so we all can learn from each others mistakes, we also had mistakes which you can read about in my blog if you are interested:-)
ReplyDeleteYea I completely agree that Wednesday's class was one of the most interesting classes I've ever had in college. As a matter of fact this was the most unique class so far. Definetly beats the big, boring lecture halls that most of us have to endure on a daily basis. Not only that but it actually helped me learn the steps of planning a whole lot quicker than any kind of textbook would. This was largely due to the fact that our group, just like yours, was still debating on what would be the best design when the materials were handed out. After the whole show was over it made me realize how important plannig could be.
ReplyDeleteI believe you are right when you say it's not everyday that you drop raw eggs in class. Although this was such a simple concept, I think it is safe to say that we all learned a great deal while working on this activity. Projects don't have to be so complicated as they often are. To top it off, we had fun working on the project and then watching each team drop its egg. All in all, it was an effective learning experience.
ReplyDeleteBeing a member of your group I cannot agree that in the end we all helped. I know for sure I did'nt. The miscommunication I encountered at the beginning of the project made me a little sour but I still tried to be positive. Once I saw something that we hadn't all agreed on being built I felt the end come. I regret sitting back and not taking a more active role in the construction but by that point I felt helpless and defeated. I don't think we worked well together at all.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, couldn't have said it any better. There is no I in team, however, a majority vote to reach a consensus should have been utilized in order to have no regret for a failed outcome. That being said, everyone should have had an active role in the group. After all, there is no "I" in team.
ReplyDelete