ENGG200 - Group Reflective Essay: Learning from Group Dynamics

This reflective essay, submitted by a student, analyzes a group project experience using the DEAL model, focusing on academic learning and group dynamics. The essay describes a situation involving seven students, highlighting the importance of group size, clear objectives, and the role of a team leader in managing diverse opinions and conflicts. The student reflects on the significance of collective knowledge and incorporating different perspectives to enhance project outcomes. The essay also addresses the application of academic concepts, disciplinary skills, and the value of diverse knowledge within a group setting. The student utilized the STAR method to describe the situation and the DEAL framework for critical analysis of the learning experience.

Running header: Reflective essay 1
Title: Group reflective essay.
Name of the student:
Name of the institution:

Running header: Reflective essay 2
Prioritization and focus
Situation/description: The project has undoubtedly had an adequate impact on
my personal, professional and academic progress. The project involved seven students.
This number proved to be effective, as it was easy to manage. It was also important when
the conflict of opinions could be experienced, as there was not much diversity between
them. Therefore, from the group I deduced that by making the groups with proper focus
and clear to achieve a certain objective with little contrast, the number is fundamental. It
must be what can be managed with ease and agreement is reached with few contradictory
opinions.
This was clearly demonstrated when the group members were able to sit down,
discuss and present a clear, precise and achievable objective. This was done with little
time and the group was able to establish and start their activities. Although there was
easy time to focus on carrying out the group's activities, it is human nature that some
members of the group have completely different opinions. This might seem to be
dragging the group activities backwards, but they were managed and we were able to
continue with our roles. From this I learned that the way different individuals perceive
the ideas differs depends on how they understand that things should be done.
Action: The issue caught my attention when at some point the team leader and
the group members failed to reach an agreement. Therefore, from this point I practically
knew the importance of the team leader. As a team leader, the experience was clear. I had
to clearly understand the point of view of all the members and convince them that one or
two points were better. But this required intelligence and human management.
Learning: From here I gained more experience in group management,
understanding the diversity of different opinions and collective skills to ensure that the
group reaches an agreement and the goals are achieved. This will improve my future
leadership skills and group management techniques.

Running header: Reflective essay 3
Utilization of knowledge in design.
Situational/description: The diversity of knowledge is fundamental to the
achievement of the group's objectives. The group is rich in skills due to the diversity of
knowledge. Once the group's activities were scheduled, people were given different
roles they had to play at each stage of the project design. Despite having different roles,
they were still able to consult and collect information from other group members about
their role in ensuring that the project activities, both their own and those of the project,
are carried out properly.
Action: This became clear when individuals were able to provide an objective
outcome of their assigned roles. For example, the project completion time is one of the
issues that required collective input from group members. The person in question draws
the group's attention to this issue. The idea was discussed and even consultations were
held with other similar groups. This increases the accuracy of the project outcome.
Therefore, I have learned that collective knowledge is fundamental because it brings a
variety of skills to improve the outcome of the group's activity.
Reflection: This was important because it allows each group member to know the
importance of involving different minds in the collective achievement of the group
objective. It was also clear that the involvement of different skills adds something special
to the outcome of the group activity.
Learning: So I will always incorporate other people's ideas, and never ignore
opinions before I digest what it really means to achieve the goal of my plans. I'm also
going to focus on incorporating more people into my activities to improve the outcome of
the project.

Running header: Reflective essay 4