Compared to their assessment of obstacles encountered during
prior group work (Table 2), students at post-project survey less
frequently reported difficulties with scheduling (n ¼ 17), communication
(n ¼ 7), and distribution of work (n ¼ 5). Though 17
students reported no obstacles in completing their group projects,
several reported difficulty interpreting project guidelines (n ¼ 6),
agreeing upon a topic (n ¼ 4) and target population (n ¼ 2),
obtaining primary and secondary data (n ¼ 4), and designing the
intervention plan (n ¼ 2). Approaches taken by students to overcome
these challenges were many: revisiting the guidelines to
clarify expectations and refine the topic; seeking input from
preceptors and other experts; collaborating to find, interpret, and
synthesize information from various sources; holding members
responsible for delegated tasks; compromising to accommodate
schedules, alternate meeting locations, and assignments; and persisting
in efforts to communicate clearly. Given that our students
had fewer schedule conflicts and communication challenges and
considered their work to be more evenly distributed among group
members than had been the case in the past, we surmise that these
approaches contributed to a more positive experience.