Effective Group Work in the ESOL Classroom
Erica HarrisLewis & Clark College
ORTESOL 2012 Presentation
In small groups…
Share an example from your learning or teaching experience of:1. an effective
group project – why was it effective?
2. an ineffective (nightmare?) group project – why was it ineffective?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myheimu/7995643041/
Overview
Seminar: Conflict Resolution course What makes a team effective? Team projects – a process for your
courses Grading for team projects Q&A
Seminar: Conflict Resolution
Advanced level content-based course Textbook: Training in Interpersonal Skills:
TIPS for Managing People at Work, 5th ed. (Robbins & Hunsaker, 2009)
5-part course:1. Self-awareness2. Communicating3. Leading4. Teaming5. Problem Solving
Textbook Format
Need for interpersonal skills training Need for self-awareness first Each chapter:
Self-assessment exercise Skill concepts Concept quiz Group exercises (interactive, role play) Application & action plan
Chapter 16: Working with Teams
Characteristics of High-Performing Teams (pp. 268-269):1. Small size ( <10 members)2. Complementary skills3. Common purpose4. Specific goals5. Common approach6. Mutual accountability
Chapter 16: Working with Teams
Obstacles to Effective Teamwork (pp.
270-271):1. Weak sense of direction2. Infighting3. Shirking of responsibilities4. Lack of trust5. Critical skills gaps6. Lack of external support
Chapter 16: Working with Teams
Overcoming Obstacles to Effective Teamwork (pp. 271-272):1. Create clear goals2. Encourage teams to go for small wins3. Build mutual trust4. Appraise group and individual
performances5. Provide the necessary external support6. Offer team-building training7. Change the team’s membership
Skills Training: Group Work?
Students need to be taught how to work in teams. Doesn’t come automatically Many students have little / no
experience, or negative experiences Students need to understand the
value of group work Teachers need to know how to
implement effective teams – quickly!
Collaborative Team Project & Presentation
1. Team decides: Communication Roles Conflict resolution
process Timeline with
deadlines for each step2. Final project &
presentation: Present final project Present about team’s
processes
3. Evaluation: Team evaluation Self-evaluation Personal reflective
paper Peer-evaluation
Customizing the process for any group projectin your courses…
Key Concepts for Effective Group Work
You choose group members (usually) based on your personal criteria
Students may indicate preferences, or you may assign randomly
In class, discuss: why teamwork is important benefits of peer learning
Make team process part of your grading criteria
Graded Items
1. Team plan for: communication working together resolving possible conflict
2. Team timeline of major deadlines and goals 3. Final project and/or presentation4. Team evaluation (completed together)5. Self evaluation (individual & confidential)6. Peer evaluation (individual & confidential)
Intermediate class: Team Project Assignment
Other Considerations
Personality profiles (self-awareness) In-class work time Conflict resolution options &
escalation Your plan for team members who:
have poor attendance don’t do their share of the work receive poor peer evaluations cannot resolve conflict with teammates
Questions?
Team project documents:http://www.slideshare.net/harrise/
Contact Erica: [email protected]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bourguiboeuf/8154926246/
ReferencesRobbins, S. P., & Hunsaker, P. L. (2009). Training in interpersonal
skills: TIPS for managing people at work (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
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