Teamwork makes the dream work—or does it? Group projects can help students learn to work effectively with others. These projects can also be a fun opportunity to hear different perspectives and even make new friends. But group projects can also be frustrating. Students in a group might learn at different speeds. Some might not do the work they promised to do. Others might take charge of a project without considering the rest of the group. So, are group projects good for students? We asked TFK Kid Reporters for their thoughts.
Shaiyar Dhillon, 12
Jersey City, New Jersey
Group projects develop social skills by encouraging students to interact. That strengthens bonds that kids have already formed and allows them to create new ones. Everyone gets to use their individual strengths, working together and communicating to finish the project. Group projects can also help students develop leadership skills.
Some people might not like group projects, but they are beneficial. They support students’ social skills and encourage teamwork and leadership. Overall, group projects are a great way for students to learn to work together. Plus, they can be fun!
Rosalie Barham, 9
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Group projects are not good for students. Most of the time, one or two students take over, and others are excluded from participating. This can prevent the excluded students from learning.
Kids may not know how to work in a group—but teachers often expect them to figure it out on their own. There can be conflict over who’s doing what. This can stop kids from fulfilling the assignment, which means they get frustrated and don’t learn anything. Instead, students could learn how to work together in activities like theater or sports, outside of the classroom.
Leonardo Popovic, 11
Glendale, California
People often say, “Two heads are better than one.” But anyone who has worked in a group has heard complaints such as “I hate group projects!” or “He didn’t listen to me!”
Despite these frustrations, teamwork is valuable for students. According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, group work improves communication skills. Teamwork also breaks us out of our bubbles, helping us understand different perspectives. While there can be challenges, the real-world skills gained from active listening and seeing new perspectives make group projects worth the effort.
Harlem Phipps, 11
Orlando, Florida
Grrr! Smash! Crash! Those are the sounds of kids feeling overwhelmed during group projects. I’ve experienced group projects that have been overwhelming. They do have some benefits: They can be eye-opening. They require hard work and patience. They can help students learn how to collaborate and solve problems. But they also cause disagreement. Studies have shown that these disagreements can lead to increased stress. Teachers who assign group projects should also delegate tasks and teach students stress management. Otherwise, group projects should not be assigned.
The Next Debate: Is remote work good for society? Email your opinion to tfkeditors@time.com by October 19. Your response might be featured in an upcoming issue.
*Submissions have been edited only for length and clarity. They are not intended to reflect the views of TIME for Kids. Ages are accurate as of the time of submission.
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