Group assignments can be frightening. One student takes over while another does the bare minimum. A team member disappears without a trace, and the night before the deadline comes the chilling question: “Wait, what are we supposed to be doing?”

Collaboration remains one of the most important workplace skills employers seek, making effective group work an essential part of the student experience. Well-designed collaborative assignments can help students develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while encouraging meaningful participation.

This Teaching and Learning Center session, named “Escape the Specter of the Group Assignment,” will explore strategies for overcoming the challenges that often haunt group work. Topics will include building accountability, encouraging participation, managing conflict and designing collaborative assignments that support student success. The session is 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Room G-11 of the Curtis Laws Wilson Library.

Participants are encouraged to bring their group-work horror stories and leave with practical tricks, treats and strategies to make group assignments a little less terrifying.

For additional information and registration details, visit the Teaching and Learning Center website.