Group Division   

google image of the process of working in groups

      This week in English 250, we were asked to divide our groups into specific roles. I think due to having such a complex project, this is essential. Not to say that each person is only allowed to stick to their particular position, to have a more defined organization amongst a project of disorganization. In dividing roles, I made it clear that I am good at communicating to my group. Communication has come naturally to me, especially when conveying a message to a larger audience. This is why I am putting my strengths to work and majoring in advertising. I feel that the power of communicating a concept to a larger audience is a great way to connect this idea to others. Therefore, I volunteered to be part of the reporter role. I will report what our group continues to discover amongst the class within this role. Many challenging aspects go into this process in trying to organize the document our group was given. At the beginning of being assigned this project, I initially found it challenging due to the lack of information and the confusion of the intentions of this project. Although with the help of more role direction, I have felt this week was more accessible in managing the material. But thinking on a larger intellectual scale, I am confused about how my group can create a clear ethical outcome due to our decision-making process? I guess I am curious because I am skeptical about how it is responsible for students who are not as educated in this area to manage this information. I think these archives are crucial for The Beyond Toxics and Oregon as a whole. 

       Essentially this mindset forces me to think back to Pomerantz’s reading. Throughout this course, the author Pomerantz has been a crucial influence; therefore, I find it simple to connect his theories to our process. In Pomerantz’s chapter one sentence, I feel the author says it. They said it by expressing, “Metadata is all around us, all the time”( Chapter 1, p. 1). Ultimately this relaxed my mind by viewing the beyond toxics metadata as another form of a concept I am already familiar with. I believe that this specific project is crucial for our class and their organization and the personal lives of many. I feel a sense of great responsibility and fear for messing up the project. However, Pomerantz’s words on metadata helped me in calming down. 

       For spring term English 250, there is a big responsibility that our class is unloading on them. I think the primary way to succeed in this project is to stay diligent and organized the whole time. It is also crucial to know what and why one is doing these projects in this specific way. Our group worked well by learning how to communicate and collaborate simply. Having simple goals and quickly established communication helps create a meaningful outcome. I guess this would be my main piece of advice, as well as to find a group it is easy to get work done and some minimal distractions or issues arise.