The document discusses strategies for successful collaboration in learning teams at the masters level. It identifies that collaboration improves student learning and retention. It also discusses strategies for handling conflict such as avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise and collaboration. The document emphasizes that understanding different learning styles and utilizing effective communication skills are important for strengthening team dynamics. It provides examples of components of a successful team such as understanding common goals and having an inclusive decision-making process.

1. Com/516 – Professional Communications
July 12, 2015
Successful Collaboration and
Team Dynamics at the
Masters Level

2. • Benjamin Andronic
• Carlos Jiminez
• Chandra Price
• D’Unor Jefferson
Learning Team B

3. “The likelihood of successful achievement of
learning objectives and achieving course
competencies increases through collaborative
engagement” (Palloff & Pratt, 2005, p. 7).
Learning teams:
• Improve student learning
• Increases student retention
• Builds self esteem in students
What are the Values of
Team Collaboration?

4. “Conflict: friend or foe? It can be either
of the preceding, but most people usually
categorize it as the latter. Conflict in itself is
not the problem. It is, rather, our reactions to
it that determine the impact, and thus cause
us to characterize it as a negative
experience” (Porter, 2003, p. 1).
Strategies for
Conflict Resolution

5. • Avoidance
• Accommodation
• Competition
• Compromise
• Collaboration
(Thomas, 2002)
Strategies for
Conflict Resolution

6. “Learning style information is expected to be
valuable for successful team building along
with educational experience, age and gender”
(Hulya, 2005).
All team members learn differently which
gives the team to reach each of those learning
styles during presentations. In addition, each
team member experiences, good or bad, can
effectively contribute to the team dynamic.
When working in teams it is important to make
sure that each learning style is encouraged.
Strengthening
Team Dynamics

7. All team members must have
these crucial communication
skills:
• Great writing techniques and
skills, so that you are able to
write effectively.
• Able to take constructive
criticism from team member
knowing that it is to help the
overall group.
• Acceptance of others point of
view.
• Listening and/or understanding
instructions.
• Able to give constructive
criticism without only
focusing on the negative.
Communication Skills in
Learning Teams

8.  What is a learning team charter?
 Written agreement that specifies team’s
objectives, guidelines, and ground rules
 Why is used?
 Provide team members with clear goals and
expectations
 Determine responsibilities of each member
 Define boundaries
 Maximize learning
 Avoid unnecessary conflict (Hunsaker,
Pavett & Hunsaker 2011)
Learning Team Charter

9. Learning Team Charter Example

10.  Teamwork is an effective tool to
achieve complex goals
 Necessary components to guarantee
team success:
1. Understanding of common goal
2. Inclusive participation
3. Open communication
4. Clear and inclusive decision-
making process
5. Effective use of resources
Components for Team Success

11. What is motivation?
4 dimensions of motivation
 Competence
 autonomy and control
 interest and value
 relatedness
Motivational Strategies to
Increase Productivity

12. Motivators that increase production
 Competence=-Positive Reinforcements
 Interest and Value =Planning Goals
Motivational Strategies to
Increase Productivity

13.  There are many aspects that lead to a successful
collaboration in the Masters program. The ability to handle
conflict, plan before beginning a project with tools such as a
Learning Charter, and utilizing every ones learning styles
contribute to a successful learning team experience.
Conclusion