When Your Child Is Refusing To Do Group Activities

di: Ma, I opted out of the teamwork. Instead, I asked mam to give me individual work.

Ma: Hmm.. do you prefer to work individually?

Adi: Yes, ma. I am more comfortable with that. I think I can work better if I have my own space to concentrate and carry out the tasks assigned to me.

Ma: Do you prefer to work individually always or are there times when you prefer to work in a team?

Adi: I prefer teamwork for discussions and sharing, but when it comes to actually working on something, I like to do it alone.

Ma: Of course, everyone has their own preferences.

I really liked the clarity Adi had for not choosing to work in a team for his project.

Though Adi wanted to work alone on the project I have seen him very active in the group discussions especially when he is in more control of the topic.

A study by French et al. showed (2011), most participants in their study reported they enjoyed learning on their own and within groups while studying a subject that was of particular interest to them. Their choice was based on factors besides the presence of peers, such as having the ability to choose who they worked with, working at a pace comfortable for them, and sitting together in one spot. In addition, many also derived pleasure from participating in group conversations concerning the material being studied.

The same study showed that elementary school participants rated Independent Study higher than students in junior high or high school, but found no differences in Peer Teaching or Group Projects.

Have you seen kids struggle because they do not want to be a part of the group activity in school?

Many times kids don't feel comfortable working in a team. This can also be because of their introverted personalities or due to them not being confident enough to put forward their ideas and opinions. A child may be just comfortable working independently and may be able to focus better while working alone. A child might genuinely feel uncomfortable joining groups and thus get upset if forced.

Children can get anxious in social situations or amongst a group of kids,  we should not force them to be like everyone. Instead, parents can brainstorm with kids to understand what is causing the distress.  Parents always believe that kids need to be part of a group.

It is important for parents to understand their child's preferences when it comes to teamwork.

Do High Ability students prefer to work alone?

Research by Lannie Kanevsky and colleagues has shown that high-ability learners may prefer to work alone on certain tasks, especially those that require independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving when attractive conditions for working in groups are not available.

It's important to note, however, that not all high-ability learners will necessarily prefer to work alone. Just like any other learner, their preferences and needs will depend on a variety of factors such as task complexity, learning style, and personal characteristics.

The same study also concludes that Although studying alone allows for less interaction with classmates, it provides time and space to connect students with professionals outside the classroom. Through written works, online resources, and mentorships, learners are able to engage in meaningful conversations that may expand their skill set beyond what traditional classrooms can offer.

How to respect a child's autonomy and allow them to make their own choices

1. Offering choices: Give the child options when it comes to activities, food, clothing, etc. This can help them feel like they have a sense of control over their own lives. Generally kids are given instructions to participate in an activity, but giving choices can help a child learn to make their own decisions.
2. Respecting Different Opinions: Respect your child's opinion, especially if it is different from yours. This can help them understand the concept of autonomy and that their opinions are valued. Children can have differences of opinion with their parents, teachers, and peers.
3. Active listening: Listen to the child's thoughts and opinions without interrupting or dismissing them. Parents and educators have their own biases, so it is important to listen and understand the child's point of view before forming an opinion.
4. Avoid overprotection: Avoid being too controlling or overprotective. This can stifle a child's autonomy and hinder their ability to make decisions. I think it's important if children make mistakes and learn from them, it will help them build their own sense of decision-making.
5. Encouraging independence: Encourage the child to take on responsibilities and make their own decisions when appropriate. This can help build their confidence and sense of autonomy. Generally, teachers decide most of the things in the classroom regarding if the activity should be independent or teamwork, with what peers kids should work within a group, etc.
6. Allowing natural consequences: Let the child experience the natural consequences of their decisions. This can help them learn from their mistakes and develop better decision-making skills in the long run.

Why do some kids prefer to work alone?

There are a variety of reasons why a child may prefer to work alone rather than in a team. Some possible reasons could include:

1. Personal preference: Some children may simply enjoy working alone more than in a group setting. They may find it easier to focus and be more productive when they are able to work independently.
2. Shyness or introversion: Children who are more introverted or shy may find it difficult to work in a group setting, especially if they are not comfortable expressing their ideas or opinions in front of others.
3. Perfectionism: Children who are perfectionists may prefer to work alone so that they can have complete control over the project and ensure that it meets their high standards.
4. Past negative experiences: If a child has had negative experiences working in a group in the past (e.g., feeling left out or ignored by other team members), they may be hesitant to work in a group again.
5. Different learning style: Some children may learn best when they are able to work independently, rather than in a group setting where they may be distracted or overwhelmed by others.

It's important to remember that every child is different and may have their own unique reasons for wanting to work alone. As adults, our role is to support the child and help them find the best way to approach the project while respecting their autonomy and preferences.

Examples of how to encourage children to work the way they prefer

1. Offering choices: Allow the child to choose their own topic or approach for the assignment. For example, if the assignment is to create a presentation on a certain topic, the child could choose between creating a video presentation, a written report, or an audio recording.
2. Respecting different opinions: If the child expresses a desire to work on the assignment alone, listen to their reasons for wanting to do so and respect their decision. Ask questions to understand their perspective and show that you value their autonomy.
3. Active listening: When discussing the assignment with the child, give them the opportunity to express their ideas and preferences without interruption. Ask questions to clarify their thoughts and show that you are interested in their perspective.
4. Avoid overprotection: Resist the urge to micromanage the child's approach to the assignment. Instead, provide guidance and support when needed, but allow the child to take ownership of the project and learn from any mistakes they may make.
5. Encouraging independence: Encourage the child to take on responsibility for planning and completing the assignment. For example, they could create a timeline for when they will complete each part of the project or research the topic independently.
6. Allowing natural consequences: If the child decides to work on the assignment alone, allow them to experience the consequences of this decision. For example, they may need to spend more time on the project or may not receive the benefit of other team members' perspectives. This can help them develop better decision-making skills in the long run.

Regardless of whether a child prefers to work independently or in a group, it is important to help them develop good problem-solving and communication skills. Encourage them to ask questions, think critically about solutions, and share their ideas with others.

When is learning in a group effective?

As summarized by Lannie Kanevsky's research suggests that group learning can be maximally effective when

• Students feel they have some control or choice of features of the activity
• Others in each group learn as quickly as the highly able student does or the range of abilities is narrow
• Students have learned and know how to collaborate well
• The workload is distributed fairly
• Students feel supported and appreciated
• The teacher knows how to facilitate small group activities
• Groups have 3-5 members

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