Divide and Conquer by Rilei

Divide and Conquer by Rilei - December 2017 Scholarship Essay

I particularly don't like to work in groups in class. I tend to have a hard time communicating with others due to my anxiety. However, if there comes a time where working on my own is unavoidable or I cannot work on my own, I like to go about working on a school project a certain way. First, I like to get an idea of the task and know exactly what it is I am supposed to be doing. The second thing I like to do is make an outline. Third, I gather whatever information necessary for the project. Next, I take the time to evaluate my peers that will be in my group. Finally, I like to initiate the "Divide and Conquer" strategy to bring the entire project together in a quick, timely manner.
Once it is understood that there will be a group project, I like to get as much information as possible regarding what it is we are doing, and what is expected from each group. I try to write down whatever question I feel would be necessary to ask about the project afterwards if they are left unanswered. With all of that in mind, I also take into consideration what materials will be needed for the project. For instance, if the project requires a slide show presentation, or if the project would require some sort of visual aid such as a poster. The more I know about what exactly the teacher is looking for in our project, the better our chances of receiving a good grade.
The second task would involve making an outline for the project. Visualization is a good part to making progress towards any project or goal. I like to get a general idea I want the project to look while getting the input of my partners to give them a chance to voice their own opinions. I also find it important to let everyone feel included in the project. We have time to brainstorm ideas and pass around ideas as we put our thoughts together. This will usually result in having more than one idea and we can have a good selection to choose from. Just in case something goes awry, we will have another plan to fall back on to prevent a halt in our progress.
Next, the most important step I like to take is to get to know my peers who are in my group. My ultimate strategy for success on a school project would not be successful without developing an understanding on the strengths and weaknesses of my peers. Once we know who is good at what, we can assign jobs to the members of the group. Usually when I am in a group for a school project, I usually get the job that requires any visual component of the project. Specifically, if it requires any drawing or painting. While my weakness is doing anything that requires much reading, someone else in my group can take on the task who has a better time with reading.
Finally, once every participant has their task at hand, the “Divide and Conquer” method is then utilized. Each person has their own job to complete and we all know what our goal is. Now each person can begin on working on the project. This also gives you an opportunity to see which member in the group is a team player, and which one is not willing to pull his or her weight on the project. It is important to assign the right job to the right person and yourself to assure everyone does their fair share on the project and to get each task done completely. To make more progress on the project, when a person finishes their task early, they could take the time to help the other members in the group with their task as well to get the project done faster.
Now that everyone has done their part and we begin to put together our work, we have an opportunity to put everything together. We look over each other’s work and any additional input and admire the handiwork of our partners. If done correctly and in these specific steps, our chances of failing the project are slim. If everyone does their part on the project we can complete the project at a reasonable time while leaving room to make any adjustments that are needed. There is no doubt that this strategy for success on a school group project will lead any group towards a good grade on the project.