Group Projects: Music to My Ears

Music somehow combines various vivacious voices into a vibrating victory. Each instrument plays a part, producing a distinct sound or tone.

Similarly, in public education, in college, and in the workplace comes those great group projects. Although everyone is trapped with each other in the same square building for a few hours daily, often with the same purpose, everyone is different. Relationships are formed at various levels, from "I only talk to you here," to "lets hang out after," and to "I don't know that person." Then suddenly by fate or some force, these social boundaries are disrupted. The assignment comes, to work with an intimate few of these people.

Parents teach their children not to associate with strangers. There is danger, ulterior motives, and the unknown. Do these fears apply to group project members?

Its only one grade. Its only one assignment. Its only one project. Yet, how much energy, time, and thought is put into this work? Well it depends on the individual within the group. There's the person who does nothing. The person who does everything. The person with all the ideas. The person who has good ideas, but says nothing. The person who takes charge, and everyone else who secretly disagrees with this self-appointed leader.

We learn and accomplish so much from these assignments. There is a reason they are called Group Projects and not Projects Done by a Group. Math projects have to do with math, science projects have to do with science, financial projects have to do with finance. Thus, group project have to do with studying groups.

Maybe the assigners of these projects are conducting social experiments. Maybe its just plain entertainment, forming odd combinations of personalities, styles, and values. Either way the composers would echo, their is much to be observed and studied.

Everyone is different. These differences are exciting. We all have our quarks, judgments, and talents. As they combine they form some sort of musical symphony. At times; wrong notes are played, people forget their parts, or fail to tune their instruments. Yet with some effort and preparation, music is played and projects are completed.