Group work is often included in forms of assessment because it can be a powerful way of developing a wide range of employability skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Here’s how:
Key Employability Skills Developed Through Group Work
Teamwork & Collaboration
- You learn to work effectively with diverse individuals.
- It builds trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Communication
- You practice expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, and giving/receiving feedback.
- Both verbal and written communication are often involved.
Problem-solving
- Group tasks often involve tackling complex challenges together.
- You learn to brainstorm, evaluate options, and make decisions collaboratively.
Leadership
- You may take on leadership roles, delegate tasks, and motivate others.
- Even without a formal role, you can show initiative and influence outcomes.
Conflict Resolution
- Differences in opinion or working styles require negotiation and compromise.
- You develop emotional intelligence and diplomacy.
Time Management
- Coordinating schedules and meeting deadlines as a group teaches planning and prioritization.
Responsibility & Accountability
- You’re accountable to your peers, which encourages reliability and ownership of tasks.
Adaptability
- Working with others means adjusting to different perspectives, methods, and, sometimes cultures.
