This activity is something I used in my Integrated Capstone class to form groups. It was a great way to make group formation less personal, while still giving students autonomy to make some selections/ decisions.

Pre-Reading & Reflection

Read the article “Use archetypes to understand the roles you play” and read through ALL of the project ideas in our Group Notes. Complete a reflection, answering the following:

1. Other than your own project, what is your favorite project from the list on our Group Notes? (What project could you see yourself happily working on?)
2. Other than your own project, what is your 2nd favorite project from the list on our Group Notes? (What project could you see yourself happily working on?)
3. Do you have any concerns about group work in this class? Is there anything I should consider or know when making groups? (If you have beef with someone else in the class, this is where to tell me about that).
4. Read “Use archetypes to understand the roles you play.” In a short paragraph, reflect on the kind of role that you take on in a group project. Which archetype stands out to you? What are the strengths and weaknesses of that archetype? What do you need to be aware of in your own habits and behavior when working with others?
5. What is your group work archetype? (If you feel like you have more than one, you can select multiple. If you feel like none of them describe you, please use “Other” and you will be prompted to explain).

The Hero/ The Dictator:  Reliable, Diligent, Resentful

The Jester/ The Clown: Humorous, Insightful, Evasive

The Mirror/ The Scapegoat: Candid, Perceptive, Vulnerable

The Quiet One/ The Victim: Observant, Stabilizing, Unassertive

The Warrior/ The Bully: Driven, Inspiring, Demanding

The Leader/ The Charmer: Charismatic, Visionary, Self-serving

The Caretaker/ The Controller: Nurturing, Supportive, Enabling

Create Your Group Member Stats Card

On your card:

• Across the top, write the number from your nametag (please don’t include your name anywhere on this card)
• Draw something that represents who you are as a collaborator (for example: a mountain range because I have an eye for the summit) 
• Create a Stats section with the following:
  • Your archetype(s)
  • Your major
  • 2-3 strengths in your collaboration
  • 2-3 weaknesses in your collaboration
  • 1st favorite project (not your own)
  • 2nd favorite project (not your own)

Build Your Deck

• We are going to start with four, randomly selected team builders:
• Each team captain will take turns selecting ONE group member for their team. As much as possible, your team must:
  • Represent a diverse collection of archetypes – don’t choose ALL jesters, caretakers, etc.
  • Represent a diverse collection of majors
  • Be made up of 3-5 people
  • You can use the other information included on the card to build your team
• We will select group members until there is no one left