[Fresia]

I have this group presentation and none of them have used any presentation programs ever, not even PowerPoint, except me. It was decided they would write what they wanted on their slides for their sections and get it to me BY yesterday at noon. NOTHING. None of them have. I have other things to be doing, limited time, and am concerned it's 20% of ALL our grades. My feelings towards group projects is not being enhanced by this experience. I sent a reminder e-mail and beyond that I'm not sure what to do. I finished my section yesterday at least so all I have to do now is rehearse the rest of this week and whenever theirs comes in, as long as it is by Sunday.

There is still time but if they don't come through, should I have a back-up plan if they don't for their sections?

[Elli-Beth]

A teacher I know would say to have your slides ready to go and well rehearsed to show your teacher that you did your share, along with a basic outline of what they should have done. Maybe have a few blank slides with what would have been their titles, ready to fill in. Any good teacher should realize that one responsible student can't be liable for the others in the group and should be willing to adjust the scores as needed. Just be up front with the teacher and say the others didn't come through. Of course, some teachers will hold everyone in the group responsible for everything, so it'll have to be your judgement call.

I would write to the instructer today and let him/her know what's going on and that you will do your best to cover the material. Then use any extra time you have to fill in their slides. if they don't get anything to you the teacher knows you did all the work. If they do you can let them explain their slides thereby showing the teacher they did come through. Communication is key here. Your failure to communicate in advance to the teacher will most likely result in you being held accountable.

Part of group work is to build communication skills helping us navigate issues such as this. Work it out to the best of your ability but keep everybody informed.

Love and hugs,
Tara

[Perna]

I found when I was doing the group things that it always came down to the last few hours but I got myself familiar with other people's portions (it's good to know their portions for any "test"/final anyway) in case I had to cobble something together; it isn't "fair" when one or two people have to do more work but I found that, in the end, it made what I knew stronger and helped me with my final grade and that was my point in taking the course so I did whatever work made me comfortable that at least how I presented would "work".

The teacher is not blind and will know what's going on and who contributed most/least by the presentation itself and the ones I had to work with adjusted grades subtly at the end; if you're getting an "A" in the course and you all only get a "C" on this project because of others, you'll still get that "A"; the group thing is really used to "confirm" that you are doing the work and give a "true" reading of your work ethic, etc.

[Fresia]

Thanks for everyone's input. One other member has finally contributed which is a relief.

I am getting very anxious. Even for my own part which is done, my short term memory and long term are failing me to remember what I am supposed to say without reading the slides themselves. Some of it is meds (Topamax/"dopamax"), some if it is anxiety, and some of it I know is preparedness that I have to keep practicing. I have it down to the alotted time when I read them but I keep getting these brain freezes, for which my time will go over. I keep having to stop and can't get restarted without reading it. It sounds so disjointed. Then the past fears creep in and try to refocus in the moment to dismiss it, 'that was then, this is now attitude.' Arggghhh. Perhaps just focus on getting through it and keep practicing, practicing, practicing.

[Perna]

Don't try to remember everything; write down a list of what is written on the slides, in order, and DO read them before you put each one up? Vary your "intro" to each slide, "This is. . .", "and this next one is. . .", "to show that we have. . ." and after you read what is written on each, then glance up at the slide and back to messing with the next slide and reading the next/connecting info.

Hello, Fresia. Writing from memory in long hand what I wanted to say with each slide until I had it in my head worked the best for me. Also being able to discuss in at least a general sense the theme of the missing contributions is useful.

As others have suggested, contacting the teacher is helpful. In my case, I asked the teacher exactly what my responsibilities were under the circumstances.

Finally, I assume the group project has at least some aspect of teaching students how to work together as a job skill. Learning to work together means putting aside individual ways of doing assignments in favor of what works best for everyone in the group. Pointing this out to you is akin to preaching to the choir. Even so, those who cause the stress and confusion, or worse, by waiting to begin preparation of their contribution at the midnight hour need to be told how inconsiderate they are, both by the other members of the group and by the teacher.

Good luck, Fresia.