Friday, October 31, 2014

October's Monthly Review

Darcey commented on Groups 1 & 2 Monthly Summaries.
Vince commented on Group 1 (twice) and Group 3




Group work is a little bit like trick or treating. You just never know if you are getting good candy or not until you get home. I am happy to report, I got good candy.

As Vince and I started working through what we needed to accomplish for the month of October, it did not take long until we had a plan in place and a division of responsibilities and roles. This was possible through continual communication (emails, texting and calls) and learning what each of us likes to do and what we we are good at. Vince enjoys writing introductions and I like writing conclusions. Vince focuses on the details while I spend time examining the bigger picture. And while Vince is very dedicated to the class and the assignments, it is my job to remind him that it is okay to breathe. Our partnership works because we have found a balance and because each of us is contributing in ways that are comfortable and speak to our individual strengths.

Planning ahead is a very important aspect to successful group work. During the month of October, we set timelines that were manageable and doable. My mom fell on her new partial knee replacement (7 weeks post op) and basically shattered it and sheared a section from the bone at the side of her knee. Because Vince and I had set a schedule at the beginning, I was able to stay with my mom while she was in the hospital and not stress about the assignment.

As we look forward to the next assignment, we have determined that we will approach it in the same way as previously. Each of us doing what we are good at while lending support and feedback along the way.

 Yep…no rocks or apples in this

trick or treat bag….just good candy.

 Darcey 


 __________________________________________

Hey! What happened to that bag of candy? I don't think there is anything left to say, but that it has been a great month and there may still be a few hours left for some good tricks. One thing is for sure, we have had some great fun along the way, and what we have learned from one another about our projects is just a bonus. Maybe the trick is a clear plan of action, a clear division of labor, and a commitment to seeing it though, but as Darcey has said, the result is in the bag.

-vince

8 comments:

  1. Darcey and Vince,

    Great monthly summary! It sounds like the two of you have found a great balance in your team. I agree that the trick is to have a clear plan of action, a clear division of labor, and a commitment from the team to complete the assignment. Vince, I sometimes also have to be reminded that it is okay to breathe. Darcey, I hope your mother's recovery goes smoothly!

    Good luck on your November assignments!

    Thanks,

    Jen Warrner

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Jen! Mom is doing great. Hopefully, she will be coming home on Monday from rehab.
    Best wishes to you as well.
    D

    ReplyDelete
  3. I really enjoyed your summary! I can tell you two are working well together and have formed a nice bond. I'm happy that I'm not the only one who has a great group! I always enjoy a good comparison and comparing group work to trick or treating was delightful! Totally made me smile!
    And - I hope your mom is doing better! That sounds painful and no one should have to go through all of that pain! I will be sending good thoughts your way (and your moms too!) - Becky

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks, Becky. Mom is home now and doing wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Vince enjoys writing introductions and I like writing conclusions. Vince focuses on the details while I spend time examining the bigger picture.

    Maybe the trick is a clear plan of action, a clear division of labor, and a commitment to seeing it though, but as Darcey has said, the result is in the bag.

    ---- Wow, great team! Two very dedicated people in a team, you can image how that works! :)

    Enjoy reading your summary and love the pictures and the metaphor of trick or treating!

    Bo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Vince and Darcey,

    I really enjoy reading your group summaries. You always have something positive even though both you are going through hard things in your life. Vince is always the planner and always seems to go above and beyond. Breath Vince, it is good for you.

    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like your graphics and your play on words. Sounds like your team has done its due diligent with regards to your game plan for the assignments. Good job working through adversity.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This was a great two month summary. I have read all of your blogs and can see the influence that you both put into your reports. A learning that I am taking away from is that we have to set realistic timelines, but we also need to stay in touch with one another to offer support.

    I love your graphics!

    ReplyDelete