"Teamwork Phobia"

According to the student newspaper at the university in South Korea at which I currently work, apparently there is a virus among students going around that is threatening one of the fundamental purposes of the institution's core mission. The name being given this "bug" is "teamwork phobia." It refers to an apparent and growing unwillingness among students to participate in group projects.This is how it works: teachers divide the students into groups but rather than work together to fulfill their group's assignment, the students, as explained in the newspaper, "divide the work and get it done. That is all." There seems to be no group meetings where progress reports are given or problems are shared.

One student, who declined to be identified, explained that it is "a pain to do something together with people of all different characteristics...…...It is not teamwork any more." Never mind that the university encourages student collaboration as it believes working together makes for stronger scholarship and helps prepare its graduates for careers in the professional world. I understand students' logic. Working without having to contend with input, including questions and even criticism of others, can be frustrating and cumbersome. In many ways, working solo is much easier. Still, the university has a strong point when it points out that much of working in an office setting, for example, involves collaborating with others.

In no way do I believe the university should back away from giving group assignments to its students. Young scholars should be taught the value and reality of tackling a challenge or assignment with others. Further, as part of this education, they should become familiar with steps needed to take to help ensure their group experience is positive rather than negative. I suggest three: be clear in identifying the specific role each group will play; make sure everyone clearly understands the group's overall goal or mission; and, above all, communicate, communicate, communicate. Members should keep each other well-informed of any questions, problems and/or successes they are having in their efforts. Adhering to these three points will help ensure greater cohesion and chances for success.