Although some students may dread a group project, chances are they may learn something.

David Henningsen, an assistant communication professor, said he has taught group communication classes, researched decision making in groups and has published articles on group decision making.

He said group projects are very beneficial for students to partake in.

The learning involves time coordination and preparing students for the advantages and pitfalls of working in a group, he said.

“Better to learn that in school than to learn that in the job where you’re blindsided by it,” he said.

It seems students also recognize the advantages to working in groups.

Chris Parker, an associate psychology professor, said group projects can help students learn the concepts being taught in the class.

He also said students can talk to each other about what they don’t understand. But he said one of the drawbacks is a group member who doesn’t carry his or her own weight.

Joanne Castro, a senior health administration major, said she enjoys group projects because she can get other people’s input and learn time management skills.

Junior marketing major Joslyn Miller said she thinks group projects are OK, but it depends on how the group members work with each other.

“[The hardest part] is people who don’t do their fair share and having a time when everyone can get together.”

Mary Kay Meegan, a junior physical therapy major, said she likes group projects, but they do have pitfalls.

“[The pitfalls are] when people don’t contribute when one person takes on most of the work and other people take credit for it,” she said.

Castro thinks that group projects are a good idea.

“It’s gonna help you in the future,” she said. “I know a lot of companies do a lot of group work.”