For many lab exercises, you will work in group problem solving teams
of three. Each group member will choose a role. You should rotate
these roles from lab to lab. Here are the different roles:
| Role | Actions | Typical Statements |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Guide the steps used to solve the problem. Keep group on-task Make sure everyone participates Keep track of time |
"We need to move to the next step." "Pat, what do you think of this idea?" "Let's come back to this later if we have time." |
| Recorder/checker | Act as a scribe; only the recorder/checker should write the
write-up Check to make sure that all group members understand each step of the solution Make sure all group members agree on plans and actions Make sure everyone's name is on the write-up |
"Does everyone understand this step?" "Explain why you think that." "Is there agreement that this is the way to proceed?" |
| Skeptic | Help prevent your group from coming to agreement too quickly Make sure lots of options are explored Suggest alternatives |
"What other possibilities are there?" "I'm not sure we're on the right track." "What if we look at the problem a different way?" |
| Energizer/Summarizer only if there are four people in group |
Watch for lulls in motivation or energy Suggest new ideas Listen carefully and summarize ideas Help group stay positive |
"So here's what we've decided ... " "What I'm hearing is that ... " "I'm sure things aren't as bad as we think." |
At the end of the lab, your group will spend a few minutes reflecting on how the group functioned.
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