Com/516 – Professional Communications

July 12, 2015

Successful Collaboration and Team Dynamics at the

Masters Level

• Benjamin Andronic• Carlos Jiminez• Chandra Price• D’Unor Jefferson

Learning Team B

“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?

“Conflict: friend or foe? It can be eitherof the preceding, but most people usually

categorize it as the latter. Conflict in itself isnot the problem. It is, rather, our reactions toit that determine the impact, and thus cause

us to characterize it as a negative experience” (Porter, 2003, p. 1).

Strategies for Conflict Resolution

• Avoidance• Accommodation• Competition• Compromise• Collaboration

(Thomas, 2002)

Strategies for Conflict Resolution

“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.

StrengtheningTeam Dynamics

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 i t 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

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

Learning Team Charter Example

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

What is motivation?

4 dimensions of motivation Competence autonomy and control interest and value relatedness

Motivational Strategies to Increase Productivity

Motivators that increase production

Competence=-Positive Reinforcements

Interest and Value =Planning Goals

Motivational Strategies to Increase Productivity

There are many aspects that lead to a successful collaboration in the Masters program. The ability to handle confl ict, 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