TCOM 103 Tips on Doing Group Project

What is a good group project topic?

-  Relevant to the list of topics covered in the syllabus
-  Your group is interested in learning more about it
-  Current
-  With a focus, but not too broad or too general
-  Can be written from different perspectives so that each member can
   contribute something different

Examples of a topic too general:
1. Movies
2. Television
3. Radio

Examples of a topic too narrow:
1. The CBS "Survivor" show
2. The Oprah Winfrey Show
3. The BG News Sports Page

How to get a good grade for the project?

1.  Spend a lot of time on researching information about the topic.  Use a variety of methods to collect information such as interviews, library database, periodicals, online sources, etc. The more you know, the more substance you have in the report.  Don't write something that everyone knows.  You are writing to readers who want to learn more about the topic in your newsletter.

2. Well-coordinated work that has a uniform style and represents team spirit.

3.  Assign an editor in the group who will organize the individual works into meaningful units/sections for the entire media newsletter.  The flow of the newsletter should be smooth, and leading readers to read the articles one by one.

4.  Assign a proofreader who will catch mistakes in grammar, typos, missing citations, etc.

5.  Present your own opinion after presenting facts and background information objectively.

6.  Think creatively on how to present the topic.  The report should be neat and tidy with proper attribution to the sources of information and the contributors/team members.

7.  Following the critical thinking procedures taught in the class.

How can I make the group successful?

1.  Respect one another.  Every person knows something that you don't know
2.  Take initiatives in improving the project
3.  Do what are listed in the peer evaluation form
4.  Willing to cooperate and make compromises
5.  Help one another