Working within a project team - some background info

As part of the theme of teamwork, I have written a short blog below which should help contextualise one of the ways in which we address the important theme of teamwork. I am one of a number of Communication lecturers who teach on the 'Working Within A Project Team' Unit, normally delivered to HN Computing / Interactive Media students. There are three outcomes to this Unit.

Outcome 1: Individually read and evaluate written or graphical information on a team task. In co-operation with others, decide on a course of action for completing the project.

Outcome 2: In co-operation with others, plan, organise and carry out the task.

Outcome 3: Individually, produce a written report reflecting on what has been done and drawing conclusions for the future.

The onus on their learning isn't necessarily on the finished project, but on the process of teamwork. It is my experience having taught this Unit in various forms over the years in different Colleges, that many students don't think they are ever IN a team or group setting and perhaps don't value the role. What does become clear to me as the Unit progresses, are strong personalities within a group. Natural leaders emerge, second in command, the dependable 'doers' and maverick roles become apparent, and the groups are encouraged to overcome barriers and offer solutions. If I had a pound for every student at the start of a Unit like this who has asked 'what has this got to do with Computing' etc, I would be driving a Porsche! What is reassuring is that at the end of the Unit, the vast majority of learners do see the benefit of the Unit and are able to apply their learning to a variety of different situations, whether it be within the workplace or in their further study.

To summarise, the students are introduced to a variety of concepts in this Unit, and we give the students the following advice at the start and throughout the semester -

• This is your project and you and your team must manage it.



• You will hold various other meetings and decide what tasks need to be done; who will do what; what deadlines you will meet to complete these tasks.



• You must schedule in meetings with your team, and keep to the target dates that you and your team agree.



• You must individually record details of anything agreed (and make sure you carry out the work).



• You will keep a log of the tasks you carry out.



• Document everything you do, and why you are doing it.



• This will help you write up your report.



• You will reflect on your and your team mates' performances at the end of the Unit,

I have attached a selection of slides from the preliminary sessions of this Unit at the top of the blog. If you have any questions or have any suggestions as to how I could improve things, I'm all ears! If you would like a copy of the whole slideshow, normally delivered over two sessions, please e mail me at mhetherington@stevenson.ac.uk and feel free to amend them to suit your style of teaching!