It was really interesting to learn more about the different topics, which were each so unique and interesting. The groups were so well co-ordinated, from the attire worn, to the quality of the PowerPoint presentations. It left me in awe of the hard work they had put into this, but also left me speechless for what the year ahead is going to look like. Am I equipped to produce such efficient work? I thought that this day was very important for us to gain insight into what is expected of us in fourth year and how the Research Day of presentations will berun.
The research presentations quality were exceptional and really set the bar for the UKZN, OT research standard. Some of the topics which interested me were “The Impact that Strike Action has on OT Students”, “Substance Abuse in OT” and “The Impact that Oculocutaneous Albinism has on Individual’s Occupational Participation”. Their presentations were all so well-rehearsed, it was immaculate.
At the end of the day the students gave us advice for Research and working in teams. Some advice was humorous and some was extremely useful. They told us to use our strengths and to be honest about our weaknesses.
Research has definitely hit my group with a bang. I have never exactly been the leader in my previous groups, as other personalities, who stress more than I do, have taken over in the past. However, when I realized my group was extremely passive and nothing was being said, and therefore, nothing was being done, Iknew I needed to take on this role. Wow... it has not been easy. To be honest, I am extremely jealous of the fourth years who are about to be finished with the Research module.
Some people don’t do their work. Full stop. Other people do their work, but unfortunately struggle to perform sufficiently in certain sections, as a result of writing in their second language. It is my first time witnessing the struggles that my fellow friends face, trying to study in their second language.
This has lead to me having to redo people’s parts, or rather informing my supervisor that I will redo them, after this hectic week. Unfortunately, this puts a huge burden on the rest of the group to perform at the necessary standard.
As Gina informed us last week Monday to have our proposal in by Friday, we had to divide the work into 6 and each person chose their roles. This method did not work out, as students had chosen sections they were not competent at and within a very hectic week, students did not put in great effort.
In our meeting with Gina, we discussed our difficulties in communication. With advice from fourth years in the same room too, we have developed new strategies.
1)
The group will not split up the parts but will
rather meet weekly, for two hours, with defined objectives to complete.
2)
Each person is required to respond with a yes or
no to suggestions made on the group to show alignment and take responsibility.
3)
Within our group of 6, we will pair up, and each
have objectives to complete within those two hours.
According
to University of Waterloo. (2019), To function successfully in a small group,
students need to be able to communicate clearly on intellectual and emotional
levels. Effective communicators:
- can explain their own ideas
- express their feelings in an open but non-threatening way
- listen carefully to others
- ask questions to clarify others’ ideas and emotions
- can sense how others feel based on their nonverbal communication
- will initiate conversations about group climate or process if they sense tensions brewing
- reflect on the activities and interactions of their group and encourage other group members to do so as well.
According
to University of Waterloo, 2019, the following is necessary when forming a new
group: Individual responsibility and accountability, constructive feedback,
problem solving, management and organization and knowledge of roles.
“Intra-professional
team building in occupational therapy is critically important to the vitality
and expansion of the profession. Teamwork must be a cognizant process;
knowledge and multiple skills are required in order for therapists and
assistants to work together successfully” (Blechert, Christianson & Kar, 1987). Our profession requires necessary team work skills and experience, which is why a task like this, provides us with important learning opportunities.
I
am excited by my groups research topic and Research Day made me realize how the
effort will all be worth it in the end. Here’s to learning to work in a team
with many different personalities, growing my leadership skills and working
together to produce an impactful report and presentation in 2020.
References:
University
of Waterloo. (2019). Teamwork Skills:
Being an Effective Group Member. Retrieved on the 6th of
October 2019, from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member
Blechert,
T.F., Christiansen, M.F., & Kari, N. (1987). Intra-professional Team
Building. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 41(9), 576-582.
FunnyAnd. (2019). Every Group Project at School. Retrieved on the 6 of October 2019, from http://funnyand.com/every-group-project-of-school-file/
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