Group work considerations for students

While faculty should take the lead in creating conditions for effective and inclusive groups, we can’t ensure that every group member will be inclusive. Student-facing resources are also needed when they find themselves in situations where they are being marginalized. As such, faculty may wish to include the content below with group project materials or alongside group project assignment descriptions. Faculty could also discuss this content briefly in class during group work or check-ins.  

What to do if you feel marginalized in a group project 

Group work can be a meaningful way to build skills, but only if everyone feels respected, heard, and valued. If you’re feeling sidelined, ignored, or stereotyped, you're not alone—and you have options. 

First, know the signs of marginalization 

You might be experiencing marginalization in your group if: 

• Your ideas are consistently ignored or dismissed 

• You’re assigned only minor, non-visible tasks (e.g., “just take notes” or “you can look everything over at the end”) 

• Decisions are made without your input 

• Parts of your identity (e.g., race, gender, disability, background) are used to assign roles 

• You feel pressured to take on more/less work based on assumptions about aspects of who you are  

• You’re left out of meetings, group texts, chats, or collaborative documents 

Step 1: Reflect, then respond 

Sometimes people don’t realize the impact of their actions. Consider:  

• What’s making you feel excluded? 

• Has this happened more than once? 

• Is there a pattern (e.g., constantly being interrupted, left out of decisions)? 

Then try language like: 

• “I’d like to be part of this decision. Can we pause and loop me in?” 

• “I noticed I haven’t had a chance to speak yet. I’d like to share my thoughts.” 

• “Can we make sure roles are rotating so everyone gets a turn?” 

Step 2: Use “Ouch” and “Oops”

If something felt hurtful or uncomfortable, you can say: 

• “Ouch. That comment didn’t sit right with me.” 

• If you’re called out: “Oops. I didn’t mean that the way it came out. Let me try again.” 

These are part of classroom norms that many instructors use to build inclusive spaces. It’s okay to be human, and it’s okay to name harm. 

Step 3: Talk to your group 

You might try: 

• Suggesting a reset: “Can we revisit our group agreement?” 

• Asking for structure: “Can we check that everyone has a clear role and deadline?” 

• Bringing in the contract: “Let’s review what we said we’d do in the contract.” 

Step 4: Talk to your instructor 

If the issue continues or feels serious, reach out to your instructor. You could write: 

Hi Professor [Last Name], I’m writing because I’m experiencing some challenges in my group for [class/project]. I feel like my contributions are being overlooked, and I’m not sure how to handle it. I’d appreciate a chance to talk or get some support. 

Your instructor wants you to succeed—and addressing the issue early is best for everyone.  

Remember: Everyone deserves to be heard 

Your perspective matters. Inclusive groups make better projects, better learning, and better communities. If you see someone else being marginalized, you can support them by saying: 

• “Let’s make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.” 

• “I’d like to hear [Name]’s thoughts—they haven’t spoken yet.” 

• “Can we rotate who presents this time?”