#junyang zhao

[projectingcreativities]

Group Reflection-Junyang Zhao

The final stage of out project is almost upon us and it is time to reflect on our work so far. I will do so using the stages of group development provided by Tuckman and Jensen because it is what our tutor believes to be true.

We went through our first stage “Forming” (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) quickly and smoothly. We learnt each other’s name, discipline, place of origin, and a little of work style. The true nature of each of our preferences were not discovered at that moment, but we worked together pretty well since none of us had any obvious conflict with others.

The “Storming” and “Norming”   (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) stages were also fun for us. We had all gotten a firm hold of the project and we were all pitching valuable ideas to the group. Each of our work style begins to emerge at this stage, where some of us are really prepared, and others show up more casually; some of us are more creative, some are more resourceful, and some are more orderly. Our differences in style did not obstruct our creative process. Instead, the balance between practicality and creativity was well-controlled and we worked more efficiently each time we meet.

Whist working through the “Performing” (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) stage, our group has reached a point where we know what each of us are going to provide and contribute to the group at every turn. We have developed a rhythm of working where we can all shine brightly with our ideas and styles without over-shadowing others.

Tuckman, B.W. & Jensen, A.C. (1977). Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited. Group & Organization Management, 2(4).

[projectingcreativities]

The Second Session-Junyang

For the second session, besides learning about a whole lot of thing regarding the concept of “GROUP”, my teammates and I conducted two experiments under instruction.

The first one required us to cut a piece of paper into small pieces, each piece being half the size of the previous one. We threw in numerous designs to cut the paper, from circles to rectangles to triangles to stripes and so on. The thought we put into the experiment was not only creative, but also mathematical. Alas, as a result, we spent way too much into the planning ran out of time with the execution. Even though, on theory, we could produce almost infinite amount of pieces of paper with our design, we didn’t have a chance to show it.

Learning from our mistakes, we did not dwell on how to make the “perfect” design to protect the egg from falling in the second experiment. After a short discussion regarding how to approach the problem, we quickly landed on the “cushion shell” design. We decided to apply all materials on-hand to one purpose only, which is to add as much physical and air cushions as possible around the egg. At this point, we already had a design that would complete the task successfully; but that was not the end of our creative process, we also tried to use the package provided to make a even bigger cushion, but it was denied by the tutor. We also designed the tape as a rope to lower the protected egg down to the ground, which was allowed.

In the second experiment, we also delegated individual tasks clearly for each of the team members. When the bell rang, we executed our plan with efficiency and precision. We were the first group to finish the installation and had a perfect result with our experiment.

Two lessons were learnt today. Firstly, do not dwell too long on planing and leave too little room for execution. Secondly, delegate tasks to each member clearly so everyone can work more efficiently.

[projectingcreativities]

Introduction - Junyang

My name is Junyang Zhao, often known as “Saber”, which is much easier to remember. I studied Film Study for my BA in Canada, which led to the following years of writing critics and academic articles regarding the industry. I have published several journals on a core magazine in China, and an online platform in Canada. I have also finished a 150-thousand-word science fiction novel in my spare time. After graduation, in order to procure the permanent residentship in Canada, I had no time to seek out a career in the creative industry. But as stated above, I kept on writing as a freelance writer.

After successfully getting the PR card, getting back into the film industry is still top priority, so I came to UK to learn about screenplay-writing.