# Effective Online Group Work

Working on a group project with your classmates at Pamoja is challenging. In this post, the characteristics of effective groups will be identified and some tips given about how to work as a group in an online environment.

**Characteristics of Effective Groups**

* The atmosphere tends to be informal, comfortable, and relaxed.
* During discussions everyone participates, and the discussion remains relevant to the task of the group.
* The task or objective is well understood and accepted by all group members
* The members listen to each other. Every idea is given a fair hearing.
* Criticism and questioning are frequent, frank, and constructive. There is little evidence of personal attack.
* Each member accepts responsibility for whatever specific tasks have been assigned.

**Tips for Online Groups**

* As group members operate in different time zones, everyone needs to check the group discussion forum each day.
* Your first priority is to break down the assignment into individual tasks. Make sure they are manageable and require the same amount of work.
* Volunteer to complete a task but do not wait for everyone in the group to agree to this. Start work and if someone else wanted to do that task then work as a small team to complete it.
* Allow time for the whole group to review and refine the finished product once all the individual members have contributed their part. Criticism should be frank and constructive.