Elements for Effective Learning Teams

 

Important Elements for Effective Learning Teams

 

1. Good and effective leadership.  In self-managed groups this would be shared leadership.

 

Our team has decided to operate as a self-managed team.  We have created a team charter to follow and it clearly states each member’s responsibilities.  This way, we share the leadership.

 

2. Interdependence among the members.

 

This is based on our honesty, communication and skill settings.  We agree that it is important to remain true to your self.  Remember not to take on a task that you are not comfortable with or that you feel you cannot assume full responsibility for.  Own your part.

 

3.      Members must be committed to the team and its goals. 

 

In reference to the team charter-reminding each other to stay focused on the task at hand.  Adhere to the time management by setting a realistic time to complete each task.  Remain committed to reach to the final goal.

 

4.      Must have access to resources.

 

We utilize email, phone, scanner, Internet, laptop and our meeting place is the public library, which provides a pool of resources. 

 

5.      Have the ability, both interpersonal and technical, to accomplish its task.

 

We have found that we compliment each other’s skill sets.  First we rely on our human resources. Each member brings their talent, time and knowledge to the table.  Second we make use of the library where our meeting is held.  As far as technical resources, as a team we have access to Internet, allowing email communication, one member has a scanner, another, a laptop to bring to the meetings.  Each member has some degree of knowledge in a particular software application such as PowerPoint, Word or Excel.

 

6.      Cooperation between members.

 

We have found it successful to combine our ideas to accomplish the task at hand.

We respect each other’s opinions and show respect by avoiding cutting each other off while talking.  We are learning about each other’s personalities and learning styles. 

Also, there is a discovery time we share in the meeting where we discuss other topics such as writing styles, school interests, work, hobbies, personal interests, etc. 

This builds camaraderie and rapport.  Our cooperation is imperative to our success as a team.