I've never really given much thought to how to respond to dysfunctional groups other than useless phrases like, "Get through the work." Instead I either ignore the problem or I split them up. It's not really a good solution. This summer I heard Zach Herrmann talk about an instance when he intervened between group members so that they would be able to function. It got me thinking... maybe this is possible. Students need to be able to work with other people in their future careers... they also need to be able to do it now. They should have opportunities to empathize and settle differences in high school.
On Tuesday, I saw one of my groups unraveling. During group time, they were silently working on their own with scowls on their faces. I decided to intervene. T: So, Ali what's wrong? Ali: nothing. honestly, I dont think we should work together. T: Okay, well you guys are all intelligent competent people. Let's talk this out. Are they not working with you? Ali: Some people in this group don't take the work seriously. (Haily and Jory immediately get defensive.) T: Okay, so what's the deal? Do you think Jory is not taking it seriously? Ali: Yeah. He doesn't really do the work and he's always joking around or doing his own thing. Haily: Yeah, and we asked him POLITELY not to say answers when we're working on something, but he does it anyway. Jory: ok whatever. You guys said "SHUT UP Jory." That's not polite. Haily: That was only after the fifth time we needed to say it. (Mind you this was as they were talking over each other.) T: Ali, tell me what Jory is doing that is bothering you. Jory, I just want you to listen. Ali: He just works with Kim the whole time and doesn't really participate with the group. And he is always messing around or doing something else. (Jory tries to interject) T: Jory, I just need you to listen right now. Haily: Yeah, he just ignores us when we're talking to him. T: Jory, do you agree? Jory: No. I'm working some of the time. And they're NOT polite. They just say, "Stop or shut up." I see I've already spent at least five minutes with this group. I'm worried about time. T: Okay, Ali, Hailey, what do you need from Jory so this group can function? Jory, I want you to just listen. Ali: He should stop playing around so much.. and actually include us instead of just Kim. T: Alright, Jory, what do you need from Haily and Ali so this group can function? Jory: I donno T: Well, what upsets you? Is it that you feel disrespected? Jory: Yeah, they need to stop telling me to shut up. Ali: We never did! T: Okay, that might be true, but that's how he hears it. Right? T: Alright, Jory, you need to stop playing around so much. You have to be able to kick it into gear for your group members. Haily, Ali, I need you to start talking to Jory respectfully so he doesn't feel like he's being singled out. You guys have 10 minutes left. I know you can work together. So, use these 10 minutes wisely. I walked away... hoping it worked. hoping I wouldn't turn around and see another argument. Holy crap! They all gathered onto one side of the table and started working together on some challenging circle problems. They were focused and working together the rest of the 10 minutes. While 10 minutes is a short time, this was a MAJOR success. It was my first time mediating between student groups... and right now I think it's TOTALLY worth it! *names have been changed.
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