VII. 6. Projects as team work
Projects as team work
What is a project team?
A project team is a group whose members are assigned to various activities for the same project. A team can be divided into sub-teams according to need. A good team is essential for success.
Projects are ideal for team building. It is also important for the teacher to maintain team dynamics. To be able to do so in addition to motivating team members, the project has to be given a strong and positive identity and a rewarding environment to work in.
How do you build identity?
Below you can find some issues to consider:
- Give your project a name. Do not give long and complicated names. The best names are usually simple, but catchy.
- Have a project logo and/or mascot
- Create a team location: playground, schoolyard, a classroom, a lab etc. It can be a virtual location on the web, too.
- Involvement and motivation of team members. They have to feel they are part of the project and the achievements are theirs, too.
- Meet and communicate with team members throughout the project.
- Establish success criteria relating to team work, morale, personal behaviour etc.
Task
Read the following short project description.
There is a school project aimed at teaching 5th graders the English words for animals from all over the world. They go to the local Zoo and collect as many names of animals as possible. In the next phase of the project they make posters, display and share them.
With this project in mind design the various steps of team building on the basis of the 6 points above.