Types of students during group work

I get thoroughly excited at the thought of group assignments. The reason being, it is an opportunity to catch up and study with cool people. Most importantly, I get to earn good grades while contributing to a fraction of the effort required to attain those grades. Call it working smart lol. Needless to say, I've come across certain character traits that recur regardless of the group I've been placed in. You've probably encountered these people in your group work life.

 

The late comer 

There will always be that one person that constantly shows up late even when you plan for meetings at a time most convenient for everyone. Especially if the group is put together at random. For them there's no hurry in Africa; Life is what you make it especially when late. They come in late and greet everyone with their confident upbeat self. Somehow they manage to convince you not to be upset with them for showing up late. They may even crack a joke or two about why they are late and you will laugh. It will be funny, best believe. 

 

The daydreamer

All success stories begin with a dream. At some point, you have daydreamed about a utopic world even if it is for a split second. There are levels to daydreaming, however. One-off daydreamers belong to the beginner's level. The professional daydreamer is the one who will stare at you and give you the impression that they are listening to you while in fact, they aren't. They stare past you when you speak and you won't notice until you ask them a question that surprises them. The legendary daydreamer is the one that does it so long while staring at you until they fall asleep with their eyes open. Not many humans in this category exist. If you're one of them, consider yourself a legend.

 

The geek

Geeks in groups take many forms. Most of the time they may appear introverted. Occasionally they are the extroverted know-it-all in the group. For good grades, do all in your power to ensure you have at least one geek in the group if it's not you lol.

 

The absentee

Also known as the one student you need to avoid. Don't be that person either, friend. Unless you plan on doing someone else's work for them, refrain from including them in your group. You could decide to hold group discussions over pizza and they still won't show up. The interesting thing is that they will always have a valid excuse for why they didn't show up. In my mind, the only thing that would keep you from earning an education you have paid for is if you're elsewhere making money.

 

The tech-savvy ones

These happen to be among my favourite people in the group. My reason simple. They are there to make your work easy. These students often get work done in no time. By now, I'm sure you can tell. I love efficient people. 

 

The chatterbox

This is the one person with a bubbly personality that always has stories to tell, questions to ask and contributions to make. In all the groups I have been a part of, they always make the group fun. You will never have to worry about selecting someone to present on your behalf because they will gladly do it.

 

In essence, we get enlightened when we meet people with perspectives different from ours. That is the whole point of group assignments. To boost your critical thinking skills. Entertain people that make you question your worldviews. It will strengthen your productive beliefs and cause you to drop the unproductive ones.

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