Study Groups prepare a work plan that encompasses all study group assignments in this course. The objective of the work plan is to complete the assignments in as short a period of time as possible while producing a quality product. A good work plan should detail the requirements of each assignment. Each study group member's strengths as they relate to the individual tasks required to complete the assignment should be identified, which will allow each study group member to maximize his or her individual contribution. Once each person's responsibilities are clearly defined, a timeline should be prepared specifying when all contributions are due. This helps study group members to more effectively plan their time and avoids unnecessary duplication of effort. In addition, if everyone knows what they have to do, what they can expect others to do, and when they must deliver their contribution or can expect to receive the contribution of another study group member, the possibility of a conflict over who should have done what and when can be minimized.

Faculty expect each study group member to make a meaningful contribution to the assignments and to follow the process outlined in the work plan. There must be a different coordinator for each study group assignment (if applicable). It is the coordinator's responsibility to organize the activities of the study group and to submit the completed assignment. All of the contributions of each study group member to the assignments must be posted in the study group's discussion area. All study group members can expect to receive the study group grade. However, a study group member's grade may be adjusted if it is determined that this individual did not contribute in a meaningful way to the study group assignment.

This determination may be made by comparing the study group member's individual contribution posted in the study group discussion area to the individual's responsibilities as outlined in the work plan.

Your Study Group's work plan should be posted here. Your Study Group should also plan to meet each week for one to two hours for synchronous communication, collaboration, and project planning and development. You can choose to interact through conference calls and an instant messaging system. You can also choose to meet synchronously through a service such as Zoom, Skype or Free Conference Call (Links to an external site.)

The following documents will assist you with the completion of the Study Group work plan:

Preparing a Study Group Work Plan

Study Group Work Plan Template

Components of The Study Group Work Plan

1. The contact information of each Study Group member.
2. A brief summary of each member's self-assessed strengths and weaknesses plus the skills and experiences of each Study Group member as they relate to the term project.
3. The role of each Study Group member in completing the Study Group term assignment. Assigning each Study Group member's individual responsibilities should be a collaborative process. These may evolve over the term as more about the term project is understood.
4. A detailed schedule consisting of dates and actions required by each Study Group member to complete the assignment is prepared.
5. Details regarding how you will scrutinize your group work for plagiarism.
6. A set time of 1 to 2 hours per week during which every team member can “meet” in some manner.
7. A plan for managing conflict and suggestions for "remedies" for nonparticipation.
8. This should become a contract among your Study Group members.
9. The work plan will be submitted on schedule at the end of module 2.

A Sample Process for Completing Study Group Assignment

1. The coordinator creates a separate topic in the Study Group Discussion Area for the work plan and the assignment.
2. Study group members submit their inputs as a response to posted topics.
3. The coordinator may post the initial draft of the document as another response. The coordinator may want to email Study Group members to let them know the draft has been posted.
4. Study group members submit their comments on the draft in the Study Group Discussion Area.
5. Additional revisions may be prepared.
6. The coordinator prepares and posts the final assignment in the Study Group Discussion Area unless otherwise directed.
7. Your Study Group work plan is your contract among your Study Group members. All Study Group members need to signify their agreement with your Study Group plan.