Should I complete the project myslef?

Question

I am the leader in a research group for an internet college course, I'm having a hard time getting everyone together, still after the 8 weeks that have passed. There are only three other people in my group and usually only one person participates per week. Its getting increasingly difficult to complete this project. Since im the group leader they wait until I tell them exactly what to do. From what i know the only excess responsibility group leaders have is to turn in the work. I have to send out at least 3 emails a week, of those maybe 1 person will reply. Every week is the same, they wont read the directions themselves, they wont complete work themselves unless I give an example and every week is a new excuse from each one. I still have no idea if the project is going well at all. Should I just try my best to complete the project myself? Should I report them to the teacher? Should I send my group an angry letter? to top it all off my teacher still hasn't given any feed back at all!

I actually did write an angry letter to the group but I decided that I am not going to give them any more of my time. those that decide to reply and put fourth the effort will help me out and have their name on the report and the ones that dont wont. And if no one helps me out then I will do all the work and the final project will reflect my own grade, and not any one elses. thanks for your help everyone!

Answer 1

Group projects are always difficult, and you are dealing with an additional factor in that people who don't really have to come face-to-face with one another may feel no sense of obligation and responsibility to the others. Rather than "tattling" on the group to the teacher, I might try to enlist the help of the teacher on how to get the group's cooperation. That way s/he is aware that there is a problem, but you having gone whining to her as if you expect her to handle it. Failing that, you may have to do more than your share of the work, because you can't let the others bring your own grade down. I would, however, make sure that they aren't just resisting your leadership. I'm currently working with a group in which one person feels that no one else will do anything, but the problem really is that they won't do it her way.

Answer 2

While I was earning my degree through an on-line school there were many projects that we completed as a group and more often than not I was chosen as group leader. Like you I also had problems getting every member in the group to participate. Luckily my professors could see who participated and who did not and they graded accordingly. I know it can be frustrating when you don't even know if the project is going well or not, but hang in there and do your part and I am certain your professor will see who did their part and who is trying to ride on another students coat tail and will grade accordingly.

Never, ever send the group an angry letter after all it is their education and if they don't put forth the effort why should you lose any sleep or feel angry about it. Instead I would advise you to do your part to the best of your ability and sit back and reap the benefits of a good grade for your efforts.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I always disliking working in a group for my college projects, for the reasons you wrote about! It's a tough situation. It doesn't help that the teacher hasn't gotten back to you about it.

The first thing I'd do is send another email to all participant, the teacher included and explain your frustration and desire to get a good grade on the project.
See if they have anything they'd like to do to help get the project finished.
however if they aren't going to participate then their name won't be going on the finished outcome.

This is a tough dilemma.... Good luck!