By Alana Burton / Staff Writer

Students at Missouri Valley College say group projects are effective when all members contribute, but can create challenges when participation is uneven.

Students like Quinntes Rider find that group work can be helpful and supportive. 

“The advantages are you have less work, and you have more time to do other things,” Rider said.

Though some students find positive advantages of having a group project, they also count the negatives as well of being in a group. Having to rely on other members when it comes to the overall group.

Luca Hasse, a business student, would note both the positives and negatives of being in a group project. 

“Getting work for others is a positive, but you must trust your groupmates to do their job, or you will have to do it yourself,” Hasse said.

Hasse would also state that he only dislikes projects when people don’t contribute to the product. 

Another student, Mateo Perry, finds that projects can be harder when you are working with your friends. Also, believing in taking charge at the beginning of a project. 

“The disadvantage is that because I’m working with my friends, you tend to play around a lot, taking longer than if you work with people you don’t know,” he said.

Many students agree that group projects can be effective and convenient when you’re in the right group. When clear expectations, equal participation and communication are implemented, the group can be successful.