When you attend school for higher education, you will have to learn how to participate in group work and learn how to focus when you are on your own. There are many misconceptions about what can happen in these situations. Both traditional schools and online schools make you participate in these activities so that you prepare yourself for the real world. When you start your career you will at times have to work on your own and then at other times you will have to work in a group to get projects together. This article will take a look at the difference between group and solo work. It will also seek to understand why both are so important in your education.
As you go through life there will be people that you do not necessarily get along with. So what do you do when you are forced to work with them? This is why so many teachers have their students work on group projects. By working on group projects, you learn how to work with people of all walks of life and how to work through differences. Unlike the real world most teachers will also include a way for you to discuss your other team member's work and then that will play into their final grade. So if you feel like one person didn't pull the weight then you can express those concerns with your teacher. When you attend an online school, it can be a little harder to interact with people because you are doing it via email and chats. Things can be taken out of context without the face to face communication so it is even more important to communicate effectively. Most of the time, you will be able to solve any differences without teacher interaction. If you are able to do so this will work out better for you in the long run. Unfortunately in the work world, there is not someone who can mediate any problems that you may have with another co worker other than those involved in the conflict. If for some reason you cannot learn to tolerate someone's input or opinions then it could mean that you will not move up in the company, get fired, or you might watch someone pass you up for promotions.
When you are not involved in group projects, you are expected to perform all other work on your own. This type of work is typically what we are used to. Some people do not like working on their own but it has its benefits. There will times in your education and your career where you will have to learn how to get things done by yourself in a timely fashion. This will teach you time management and also to rely on yourself. Though we are social beings there are going to be days when nobody is around and you will have to find the self control to get your work done. Then again, some people love solo work and hate group projects. It is a matter of preference, but is something that you have to earn to deal with if you ever expect to make it far.
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