Introduction
Group collaboration is one of the most common formats in university course. From daily assignments and presentations to final deliverables, students are required to team up and produce shared outcomes under tight collaborations.
While group projects are often seen as a test of teamwork, what students struggle with isn’t always laziness — it’s confusion, hesitation, or pressure.
Interview
I interviewed three friends who engage in college group-works a lot.
Yutong Zhang
Age: 21
Second year: CS
Hongyan Li
Age: 22
Fourth year: Econ
Chikai Cao
Age: 20
First year: Stats
“I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do, or when.”
Assigned as group contributor.
Confused about her role in group projects, unsure of what to do or when to act without clear instructions.
“I did my part, but it felt weird to bring it up.”
Assigned as group leader.
Completes her tasks but struggles with communication, feeling uncomfortable reminding or pushing teammates.
“I’m happy to help, just don’t make me lead.”
Assigned as group contributor.
Willing to assist and follow directions, but avoids leadership roles, preferring clear instructions.
When students struggle to communicate, contribute, or stay updated, it's often not because they don't care — it's because the tools and structures around them make it harder to succeed in groups.
Common Challenges
To better understand the challenges students face in group work, I conducted a survey with a total of 124 college students participated and find the below results.
Basic Information Common Challenges
% 62
Male
Female
% 38
18%
STEM
%45
Social
Science
%30
Econ
%20
others
5%
