TEAM PROJECTS: HOW TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULTS (A GOOD GRADE)
AND ENJOY YOURSELF AT THE SAME TIME

Lisa Keys-Mathews
lmathews@unanov.una.edu
Department of Geography
University of North Alabama

Team projects, also known as cooperative learning, teach the fundamentals of problem-based and inquiry learning which, in turn, enhances your ability to reason and solve problems. This is key to survival and advancement in a professional environment. There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of experience - how you approach the experience will determine what you get out of it.  Learn how to be a team player!

ADVANTAGES

• You learn more and student achievement is higher (retention and recall are increased, thereby supporting better grades)
• Working as a member of a team is a daily occurrence in the professional world, therefore you are gaining valuable professional development. One of the most often asked series of questions in a job interview relates to teamwork.
• When did you last work as a member of a team?
• What role did you assume?
• Describe the group dynamics
• Do you assume different roles when you work as a member of a team?
• Teamwork allows you to "divide and conquer" a problem
• Brainstorming and "talking out a problem" are facilitated in a group. Thinking and problem-solving are clarified when you verbalize it. You are also allowed to test your ideas against others.

CHALLENGES

• Everyone's schedules are different and team meetings are often hard to arrange
• Ensuring that everyone does their equal share for an equal grade
• Depending on someone you might not know, therefore not knowing how they will react to any given situation
• In the professional world you are very rarely allowed to choose your team members, therefore you are not always allowed to build the team you "prefer"

ESSENTIALS OF SUCCESSFUL GROUP WORK

Whereas there are challenges, group work is an essential skill that everyone must develop. Here are a few ideas on how to keep your group dynamics positive and moving toward a common goal.

• Listen closely to each person
• Try not to formulize your responses in your head while someone else is talking, you will miss what they are saying
• Don't be afraid of silence during a discussion, people need time to organize their thoughts after listen to others
• Try not to interrupt anyone, if you have a thought that you need to express, write it down so you don't forget it
• Take turns
• Return to the task when you notice that the discussion strays
• Disagree politely
• Manage your group time wisely - Socialize later
• Ask for help
• Be supportive
• Share honest feelings
• Keep all members involved
• Paraphrase what others say
• Help without giving all the answers
• Express honest appreciation
• Listen with empathy
• Discipline unproductive impulses
• Make everyone feel important
• Make eye contact

PROCESS

1. Submit a plan of action which includes:

Project design
A list of tasks
Individual responsibilities
Schedule (Deadlines for completion of tasks)

2.     Keep a journal of all group meetings and activities (Must be available for the professor to view every Thursday and due with final report)

3.     Complete a bi-weekly rating sheet regarding contributions of the week

4.     Notify the professor if there are problems that your team has attempted to work out, but cannot solve

5.    One group member should email the professor every Friday regarding the weeks activities

REMEMBER

• Your group depends on every member to successfully achieve your goal
• Talking and listening are vitally important to successful achievement
• Treat others like you want to be treated