In 2001, the United States Army introduced a new advertising slogan: an Army of one, written to attract a generation of individuals raised with the World Wide Web. While such a solitary militia is an interesting thought, it is impractical, as an army requires many soldiers working as a group. Besides sheer numbers, groups may provide expertise that an individual does not have. A robust army of many soldiers is needed in an authentic war situation just as a singular problem solver grappling with an enormous issue may be better able to solve problems with the help of a group. Groups provide a wide range of vision and multiple perspectives. Although groups complicate the problem-solving process, they also provide a much richer journey on the way to a solution.
Social problems are most often addressed by groups. Many students complain about required group work in their college courses. These complaints are similar to those made by workers in organizations concerning team and committee activities.
To prepare for this Discussion, review the Learning Resources, focusing on the significance of group work as it relates to the problem-solving process. Also, focus on the Week 6 Discussion Handout: The Good Enough Solution.
Consider your own experiences with group work and the challenges you and other group members have faced when attempting to accomplish your goals. How might you improve your next group work experience based on what you have explored in this unit?
Note: There is one Discussion in this week.
By Day 3
Post 2 to 3 paragraphs in which you identify two or three of the problems you have had with group work in the classroom or at work. Explain these problems in light of the problem-solving approaches you have explored in this course. Include two suggestions you would make to improve on the experience the next time it is required.
Be sure to support your ideas by connecting them to at least one of this weeks Learning Resources. Additionally, you may opt to include an academic resource you have identified or something you have read, heard, seen, or experienced.