2. The Value of Collaboration for Academic
Success
Accomplish a goal more efficiently and easily
Allows for interdependence to maximize one’s own and other’s
achievement(Roby, 2002, p.19)
New ideas and perspectives
Deeper understanding of content
Respect differences and relate to others
A Team provides encouragement when a task is difficult
3. Strategies For Conflict Resolution
Set Goals Don’t monopolize conversation
Set ground rules Have a Mediator
Communicate Different people mean different
perspectives
Attack the Problem not the Person Listen
4. Strategies for Conflict Resolution Cont’d.
(A. & C. Black Publishers, 2007)
Compromise
Accommodate
Avoidance
Listen Carefully and understand the other’s position
Listen then explain one’s own position
Encourage Constructive Feedback
Empathize with each other
5. Utilizing Learning Styles
Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic
The way we learn can determine how well we learn depending on
how information is presented to us. If we use the skill and style in
which we learn then teams learn the most possible because we
have took the time to focus in on our individual strengthens.
All three styles bring wholeness and many perspectives to a
project.
6. Why are effective communication skills
essential for a successful learning team?
Leads to a productive work environment
Feeling of investment in project
Feel comfortable to contribute ideas and ask questions
Ensure everyone is working towards the same goal
Need to make good decisions & get correct results
Produce a successful project
7. Strategies for Effective Team
Communication
Control emotions
Be respectful & don’t blame
Check prejudices, assumptions,
and egos at the door
Be honest
Be objective, de-personalize
Ask questions, seek clarification
Listen as well as articulate
Make sure all members have an
opportunity to be heard
Be open to other perspectives
Utilize other’s diverse
experiences
8. Learning Team Charter = Team Success
Purpose of team charter
Contact information
Team member skill inventory
Team goals
Ground rules
Conflict Management
9. Effective Components of Team Success
Member
Participation
Team Leader
Honor
Result- Oriented
Enthusiasm
Capability to connect
10. Motivational Strategies to Increase
Productivity
Positive Atmosphere
Set realistic goals
Openness
Understand how others work
11. References
A., A. C. B. P. (2007). Steps to success: Manage teams successfully. Huntingdon, GBR: A & C
Black. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com
Dale Carnegie Training. (2016). Igniting Workplace Enthusiasm. Retrieved from
http://westernct.dalecarnegie.com/6_components_to_creating_an_effective_team/
DeJanasz, S. C., Dowd, K. O., & Schneider, B. Z. (2002) Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. New
York: McGraw-Hill. pp. 248-252.
Guide to completing the University of Phoenix learning team charter (2002). Retrieved from
University of Phoenix website: http://www.apollolibrary.com
Learning team charter (2010). Retrieved from University of Phoenix website:
http://www.apollolibrary.com
12. References Cont.
Parker, G. (2003). Cross-functional teams: Working with allies, enemies, and
other strangers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. pp. 170-194.
Porter, S. (2004). Team decision making. University of Phoenix. pp. 1-13.
Roby, T. Y. (2002). An exploration of perceived successful and unsuccessful peer
collaboration exercises within online university courses (Order No. 3069688). Available
from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text (305603318). Retrieved
fromhttp://searchproquest.com/docview/305603318?accounted=35812
Vanderbilt University. (2016). Motivating students. Retrieved from http://
cft.Vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/motivating-students/
Editor's Notes
“Positive interdependence refers to the setting of group goals and the providing of activities to achieve the group goals thereby ensuring that every member of the group learns the materials. Students are given assignments to maximize both their own and the other group members' achievement.”(19)
Working with others allow you for a chance to gain information from other people’s experiences. Learn to respect what makes us different because it brings a wholeness to a project. Everyone’s skills and talents are different. We can strengthen those areas in a group and seek help where we are weak.
Sometimes refocusing the task is necessary to bring people back to a place of what’s important. Open and constant communication gets results. If someone isn’t communicating then try to find the barriers. Such as environment, background, organization, personal differences or problems. (A. & C. Black Publishers, 2007) The problem is the issue. When you attack the person they will shut down and not contribute or a serious argument occurs. Nothing good comes from either one. Monopolizing the situation shows that you prefer being “right” instead of accomplishing the goal. We come from different places with different experiences. Learn to embrace a new possibility instead of putting it down.
Where there is a group of people there will always be a difference of opinion at some point. Creating a safe place to discuss topics and objectives is always important. Ground rules are necessary.
Listen without interrupting and seek options where it’s a win-win situation. Avoiding the problem can work if it’s more personal and have little to do with the team work. Encourage discussion and correction. The common goal is important and sometimes things must be changed. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to gain perspective. (A. & C. Black Publishers, 2007)
The different styles are used to sharpen each other in the team. The main 3 styles cause for differentiation. In a team project an auditory learner would probably be able to use words to explain things better. A visual learner would be able to use pictures and graphs to ensure a project is done well and a kinesthetic learner could use movement and manipulatives to create a solid group project. The area that one person is weak in another person can be strong and assist where needed.
“Open communication is an absolute requirement for successful cross-functional teamwork. (Members) must be allowed and even encouraged to share their ideas, information, and opinions without restrictions” (Parker, 2003). When a member feels that his ideas & questions have been heard, he is more likely to put quality time and effort into the project. A “safe” environment needs to be promoted. If members do not feel they can share ideas, opinions, or seek clarification, then valuable contributions may be lost. When the members communicate at the beginning and consistently throughout a project, then it will be ensured that everyone is being productive and always working toward the same previously agreed upon goal. Questioning is a very important part of the communication process. Only by completely examining an idea/issue can all avenues be explored. Through careful and constructive questioning you can ensure that the group is producing accurate work. “Without an environment in which each team member feels safe enough to ask questions, seek to clarify, offer insights, and ask the team to pause to look at one more perspective, there is a risk of reaching wrong results or making poor decisions” (Porter, 2004). When a team consistently and effectively communicates, the end result can be a successful project that all members can take pride and ownership in.
The first step towards effective communication is doing so without emotions. Team members need to be respectful of other’s opinions/ideas, even if they don’t agree. Do not place blame or judge the other members. The goal is to always have productive communication. There is no room for egos in a team. The focus should be on the project goal, not the team members. It is important to be aware of any pre-conceived notions, assumptions, or prejudices and try to counteract them. It is also important to be honest and accept responsibility for your statements. Use “I” language. “When we say things like ‘you just don’t understand,’ or ‘your idea will never work,’ we put others on the defensive. They feel attacked and strike back, causing conflict to escalate. Take responsibility for your communication – ‘I’m not sure I’ve clearly stated my objection,’ or ‘I have a concern…can we discuss this?’ – and conflicts are less likely to occur” (DeJanasz, Dowd, & Schneider, 2002). It is extremely important when discussing issues that team members try to be objective. Don’t make things personal. Try to recall and focus on the goal/expectations of the project to make decisions less subjective. Do not get trapped in a group “mindset”. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Team members should always strive towards an environment that promotes inquiry and clarification. “In collaboration, both parties don’t necessarily agree, but both feel comfortable enough to express their disagreements and opinions and can work towards an optimal solution” DeJanasz, Dowd, & Schneider, 2002). As important as it is to participate and contribute ideas, it is equally important to listen to what others have to say. It is essential that all members have an opportunity to be heard, no matter if you disagree or feel that it something is trivial. A team member will not feel important to the team and will be disinclined to participate if he feels that his thoughts are not welcomed or valued. Be open to other member’s ideas and perspectives. This is where great learning happens. There is so much to be gained from other people’s diverse experiences. “Genuinely listening to teammates whose views and life experiences differ is one way to bring diversity of perspectives into the decision-making process” (Porter, 2004). Diversity can be a weakness in a team, but it can also be a strength. “The concept of the team is that the outcome…will be better because it has been created by the combined sharing of expertise from people representing a variety of functions” (Parker, 2003). Probably the most important part of effective communication is doing so right at the beginning. It is essential to come to a consensus on what the project goal is; what are the expectations; who will have what role; how will conflict be handled; how will decisions be made. This is why a team charter that all members collaborate on is so important to the successful functioning of the team.
The team charter is the first step of the collaborative process within the team. It allows the team members to collectively assign roles, set project goals and expectations, reveal member strengths and weaknesses, and decide on how conflicts will be resolved and how decisions will be made. The first section of the charter allows members to provide contact information. It is important to have as many ways to communicate as possible. Sometimes it is necessary to post in class discussions, but sometimes it is more viable to communicate via phone (text) or email. The next section is “Team Ground Rules and Guidelines”. This is the section where team members can highlight their skills and strengths and outline what they expect to contribute to the team. The roles of each member can be defined here. It is also where the team goals are decided. “These include but are not limited to objectives relating to task completion, task quality, or the development of specific team ‘process’ skills” (“Guide to Completing,” 2002). Ground rules are also established here. “By identifying and agreeing upon ground rules at the beginning of the course, teams minimize the risk of conflict and facilitate task completion” (“Guide to Completing,” 2002). The next section of the charter is “Expectations for Time Management and Involvement”. This is where team members can propose a schedule for completing tasks. It is a helpful tool for members to see what their tasks are and when they need to be completed. The next section of the team charter is “Ensuring Fair and Even Contribution and Collaboration”. This section touches upon how the team will deal with conflicts within the group. “By identifying the likely kinds of issues that might bring team members into conflict and agreeing beforehand how to deal constructively with those conflicts, team members will help to ensure the optimum functioning of the team” (“Guide to Completing,” 2002). Team members can all contribute strategies on how to ensure that everyone is participating and responsibilities and work are being shared fairly. Members will give strategies for how to communicate and resolve any conflicts that might arise. The last section of the charter is “Special Considerations”. Team members state why this particular team experience will be different/better from past ones. The main idea behind a team charter is that the members are working together to create a document that sets goals, expectations, guidelines, and strategies to deal with conflict. The team charter is an excellent resource that should be constantly referred back to during the entire course.
A team's success is only has great as its members. Teammates that put in the effort and show enthusiasm make the experience a success. If not for members knowing their assignment details, effectiveness would not be shown in team work. Leadership is a key component of a team. A leader delegates responsibilities among teammates and keeps work on track for completion of a project. The integrity of the group means sticking to group rules and team charter. Group members should strive for contributing their best work and double checking all work before submitting. In the end, a successful team must keep a goal in mind for a project and make sure to focus on achieving all team goals. Group work should always take place in a positive atmosphere, and while conflicts arise, the solution should be respectful (Dale Carnegie, 2016).
A positive atmosphere for students to learn and collaborate with each other allows for productivity in work. Setting realistic goals for assignments inspires piers to achieve their goals and perform at a high level in their school work. Openness to share ideas and have them heard increases the productivity in group work so assignments can follow a plan to be successful. Getting to know your teammates in the being helps, knowing how each and every member learns and being comfortable with each others. Getting the first meeting out of the way allows for increase productivity on important work for assignments (Vanderbilt University, 2016).