How To Deal with Free Riders 😣 [Group Assignments]

If you’re a student who struggles with group assignments, this post is for YOU! 😍 As students, we want to score for group assignments but sometimes, it’s difficult when we have free riders in our group! 😔 You can’t change your team members, but at least you can deal with the situation better! So, how do I deal with free riders in group assignments? 🤔

Disclaimer: These pictures are taken during my Deans List ceremony with my AMAZINGG coursemates! Don’t misunderstand ya haha! 🙊

1️⃣ Motivate them

Sometimes, it really is as simple as providing motivation. For me, I always give the other person the benefit of the doubt. I tell myself, maybe they’re just bad at this subject or lack the confidence when it comes to group presentations. Hence, I tend to take the lead and try to motivate them. I like to personally message that specific team member to understand what his/her issue is, and how they can contribute to the assignment so that we can work together better.

2️⃣ Divide and assign “lighter” tasks to them

If you don’t want your marks to be heavily affected, assign lighter or less important tasks to them. Eg, a simple introduction or finding images for a presentation, etc. Try your best to make them contribute in whatever manner possible, but if you’re worried about the work quality or of them potentially not meeting deadlines, don’t assign any important or heavy tasks to them!

3️⃣ Constantly follow-up/have check-ins with them

Maybe its just the paranoia in me, but I definitely tend to check-in more with free riders in my group. I need to make sure that they’re doing the assigned tasks and hence, I either message in the assignment groupchat or DM them for some updates!

4️⃣ Raise this issue to your lecturer

For me, this would be the last option if I’ve tried all methods and my assignment mate is STILL not cooperating. If you and your other teammates ended up doing all the work and there’s no contribution from the free rider, please be honest about the situation with your lecturer. Remember, you’ve got nothing to lose, especially if you raise the issue collectively as a team. Hopefully, the implication towards the free rider will change his/her attitude in the future when it comes to group assignments.

There you have it! My top 4 ways of dealing with free riders. I hope you guys don’t need to go through this situation because it’s honestly such a hassle…but if you ever do, I hope these tips work!

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