Reflection #7: Simulation

This week’s simulation was an interesting exercise. One of the parts I found most captivating to think back on was the way our group dynamic functioned. Working in groups is difficult no matter who you are or who you’re working with. So when you’re thrown together with a group of people you’ve only known for a few months and you’re all still figuring out each other’s academic strengths things get a little challenging. I feel like on this fundamental level, this week brought me back to when we were learning how to work with others for the first time. I needed to remember to be patient, to listen, to speak up and to facilitate. Being someone who tends to dislike group work, I always find myself in need of reminders on these small points. Oh group work…

The actual simulation was also very interesting! I thought that everyone got really into their side of the argument even if it didn’t align with their personal beliefs. Another thing that I noticed was that some of the comments and arguments made tended to take a more personal attack tone as opposed to attacking the position being argued. I chalked this up to the fact that we all know each other pretty well and feel comfortable enough to do that even if the simulation wasn’t the right place to do it. The thing that I struggled with most throughout the whole process of preparing and presenting was that, as the consumer group, we really could have taken either side, so deciding which path to take was very difficult. I think that the group, collectively, chose the one we thought would have the greatest impact although, correct me if I’m wrong group makes, none of us really associated personally with the side we chose. Over all I thought that everyone argued there points very well and very convincingly. I think that the major simulation should be fun and probably less stressful! *fingers crossed*