Snapshot
LMS Used: TRACS
Tools Used: Forums
Type of Interaction: Teamwork
Teamwork can elicit a groan from even the most easy-going student. There are a few simple design decisions that can make team assignments more enjoyable and effective.
Description
There are many good reasons to include teamwork in a course. This kind of work is often necessary when you want to rapidly expose a class to a number of topics. Most compelling, perhaps, is to develop social intelligences that are needed in just about every aspect of life. Whatever your reasons for including teamwork in a course, there are common pitfalls of the practice that just about everyone has experienced.
Implementation
The following tips have been effective in for our team in changing attitudes about teams:
- Require a team charter. This is a simple contract that should serve as a framework for the students throughout the semester. A charter consists of team norms, a communication plan, and a conflict resolution plan. This should be done with a significant amount of introduction from the instructor and synchronously if possible. Teams may choose to formalize these contracts by signing them.
- Build in progress and participation reports. These can be formal assignments or periodic check-ins with the instructor. The important thing is that a project timeline has been created and all team members are aware of the status of each task. These reports can also include a report to the instructor about the effectiveness of each person participating using a rubric or short qualitative summary. Avoid using these are a way to assign grades. Rather, present it as a part of larger progress in the course.
- Create assignments with roles for everyone. The common complaint that one team member has been given (or monopolized) the assignment can be avoided by making sure the assignment has a number of natural roles. For instance, you may point out that the team leader should manage the project but assign a scribe to take notes. Another way of splitting up work is to have each member plan out and then reflect on their individual contributions at the end of the semester.
- Use good project-based assignment Remember that even though an assignment is team-based it should promote active learning and encourage the team to construct their own learning around the topic. There are many articles and books on this subject if you need tips.
Like any professional challenge, the quality of a teamwork experience can be decided by the mix of personalities involved. While you, as a designer, may not have the ability to anticipate friction, you can create mechanisms to avoid conflict and maximize time spent on task. Pay close attention to the kinds of interactions you are requiring of the student. Give them the tools to act as their own project managers. This guidance won’t assure perfect teamwork, but you may be able to convert a few wary students.