Unit 1. Characteristics of innovative curriculum for work based learning

Learning activity 3

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3: TEAM WORK

Summary of the Activity

Definition of roles and responsibilities

This exercise shall give the students the possibility to practice the  team forming process, to learn about the different steps and the importance of them

Duration of the Activity

  • Introduction and Explanation of the 4 phases: 10 minutes
  • Group/ team exercise: 15 minutes
  • Presentations: 5 minutes/team
  • Reflection: 5 minutes

Approx.  40 minutes

Aims of the Activity

In this activity teacher/trainers will work with students on:

  • Helping them learn the theory of team building by learning by doing

  • Making them aware of the critical issues in team building processes

Guidance for a proper performance of the Activity

Materials needed to perform the Activity

Flipcharts (one per team), Description of a set task/project/objective for each team; handout (TeamWork_handout2)

Methodology to Implement and Develop the Activity

The teachers:

  • Introduce and explain the 4 phases of team building to the students
  • Split the students in teams (4-6 people if possible)
  • Give each team their task/ project description and ask them to
  • organize their own team, find a team leader, make a work plan (using handout 2)
  • define roles and responsibilities for everybody and a common understanding
  • document everything at on the poster
  • Observe the different groups closely, the behavior and make notes
  • Give guidance where needed in the teams if the process stumbles
  • Ask them to present their process and result briefly:
  • What went well, where did you have problems? What kind and why?
  • Do you think you have a common understanding? Is everybody ok with the roles and responsibilities?
  • Ask the students to reflect their experiences and feelings in the team and in the process.

Guidance once the activity is over

As a teacher/trainer you should initially function as an observer. Only interfere if the teams ask for help or get stuck in the process due to conflicts.

Assessment of the Activity

Monitor the student´s behavior closely. Compare them with your own experiences and assessments of the different participants.