CAW LibGuides: Writing Successfully as a Group

Writing Successfully as a Group

This resource provides insights and strategies to help you to write successfully as a group and to manage the common pitfalls of these kinds of assignments.

To get the most from this resource, including a full list of references and links to other online resources, ensure you download the full PDF resource file. This PDF contains a more detailed approach to this type of writing at university along with all the supporting appendices.

The aims of the resource are:

• to consider the benefits and principles of group writing;
• to explore ways to set yourselves up for success; and
• to think ahead about how to deal with challenges.

Types of Group Writing Assignments

The list is not exhaustive but typically, a group writing assignment are for:

• lab reports
• project reports
• presentations
• academic posters

Benefits of Group Writing

Writing as a group is a good opportunity to:

• learn collaboratively;
• benefit from other people’s ideas;
• sharpen your critical thinking abilities;
• benefit from the motivation and accountability of a group;
• make friends and meaningful connections on your course;
• practise skills needed in the workplace and life;
• try out different team roles; and
• gain experience you can refer to in job interviews.

Consider which of these benefits are most important to you.

An Important Principle of Group Writing at University

Unless you have been told otherwise, you will be jointly responsible for the whole assignment.  It is important to work well together as all group members:

• will receive the same grade; and
• are accountable for any plagiarism or other academic integrity issues.

Group Development

Tuckman (1965) identifies four stages of group development. His four stages can help in understanding the process required for writing as a group:

• forming
• storming
• norming
• performing

To find out more about these stages, see the full PDF version of this resource.

Setting Parameters for Writing Successfully as a Group

This section of the full PDF resource covers the following areas:

• making meetings as a group successful;
• developing a writing strategy;
• defining team roles; and
• the importance of identifying tasks and deadlines.

It also highlights communication strategies including:

• communication channels;
• file editing responsibilities; and
• where shared files are to be stored.

Dealing with Challenges

Group work can be challenging both practically and emotionally but a willingness to consider these challenges and work through them can also produce a sense of achievement.

This section in the full PDF resource covers:

• understanding different personalities;
• cultural background differences;
• a strategy for identifying and planning or challenges before they happen; and
• scenarios to consider (i.e. difficult situations than can occur when writing as a group).