Tasks within a scientific collaboration often have a high degree of uncertainty, more so than is typically found in other types of work. For example, in research it is typically not clear at the onset that the goal can be achieved or the best way to achieve it. Trial and error is an integral part of the process. It is important that a group work collaboratively in a way that promotes mutual accountability.
Mutual Accountability
Being Responsible for Yourself and Others
Everyone in the group should know
- the goals of the task
- the plan for reaching the goal
- the groups progress on the plan
- the knowledge that comes from the task
Sharing the Work Load
It is alright to split up tasks like writing, searching for resources, and experimenting as long as you are regularly reporting back and sharing your findings.
You can encourage everyone to be accountable for the knowledge gained during the activity with the following techniques:
• Ask clarifying and probing questions to promote deep thinking
• Work at the same pace. If one person finishes their tasks early they can help others. If someone falls behind (like from an absence), the group should work together to help them catch up before continuing on.
• Ask clarifying and probing questions to promote deep thinking
- When you said…what did you mean?
- Can you explain more about…?
- What else do you know about…?
- What is your reasoning for…?
• Work at the same pace. If one person finishes their tasks early they can help others. If someone falls behind (like from an absence), the group should work together to help them catch up before continuing on.
Strategies for Specific Challenges
Try the steps below for supporting your group through challenges. Use the strategies in the order they are listed.
A group member is not understanding you
1. Rephrase your statement
2. Use synonyms with vocabulary words
3. Ask, "which part is confusing for you?"
4. Ask for help (come up with the person to ask a teacher)
A group member is not participating in discussions
1. Invite them to share their ideas
2. Ask open-ended questions
3. Ask specific yes/no questions
4. Ask for help
A group member is working at a different pace (slower)
1. Discuss with them what task is most time consuming, consider trading tasks (if appropriate)
2. Discuss what tasks could be done at another time (copying, drawing) and which need to be completed to continue on (reading, watching)
3. Use the extra time to look ahead, record new knowledge, update learning logs, etc.
4. Ask for help
A group member is working at a different pace (faster)
1. Review what has been completed, check for things that need more detail or thought
2. Review what tasks are upcoming and could be started independently
3. Discuss, as a group, why it is important to work at similar paces
4. Ask for help
A group member is not sharing the work load
1. Review the goals, plan, and progress together
2. Ask what types of task they would be comfortable doing
3. Specifically agree on what, when and how tasks will be completed
4. Ask for help
A group member is not following through with commitments
1. Review the commitment
2. Ask, "What are the obstacles that prevent you from getting this done?"
3. Ask, "Is there a comparable task that you would rather do instead?"
4. Ask for help
A group member is not focused or is off task
1. Review the goals, plan, and progress together
2. Ask what specific task they are working on
3. Be clear and specific about how their behavior is affecting the learning of the group
4. Ask for help
1. Rephrase your statement
2. Use synonyms with vocabulary words
3. Ask, "which part is confusing for you?"
4. Ask for help (come up with the person to ask a teacher)
A group member is not participating in discussions
1. Invite them to share their ideas
2. Ask open-ended questions
3. Ask specific yes/no questions
4. Ask for help
A group member is working at a different pace (slower)
1. Discuss with them what task is most time consuming, consider trading tasks (if appropriate)
2. Discuss what tasks could be done at another time (copying, drawing) and which need to be completed to continue on (reading, watching)
3. Use the extra time to look ahead, record new knowledge, update learning logs, etc.
4. Ask for help
A group member is working at a different pace (faster)
1. Review what has been completed, check for things that need more detail or thought
2. Review what tasks are upcoming and could be started independently
3. Discuss, as a group, why it is important to work at similar paces
4. Ask for help
A group member is not sharing the work load
1. Review the goals, plan, and progress together
2. Ask what types of task they would be comfortable doing
3. Specifically agree on what, when and how tasks will be completed
4. Ask for help
A group member is not following through with commitments
1. Review the commitment
2. Ask, "What are the obstacles that prevent you from getting this done?"
3. Ask, "Is there a comparable task that you would rather do instead?"
4. Ask for help
A group member is not focused or is off task
1. Review the goals, plan, and progress together
2. Ask what specific task they are working on
3. Be clear and specific about how their behavior is affecting the learning of the group
4. Ask for help