The classroom is an ideal place to learn how teamwork in a productive and effective way. In an increasingly competitive world, it is important for future professionals to learn that work done with collaboration of different members of a team, each one with different abilities, skills and points of view, enriches and improves the result of the activity carried out, provided it is carried out under proper guidance and supervision by the teacher.
When students work in teams, the role of the teacher is very important in activity orientation and supervision. This will require planning taking into account the objectives, available materials, time, group characteristics. Knowing the group and being clear about the activity objectives, will also allow organizing the groups in the most appropriate way, both by number of members and by characteristics. Then, during the activity, the teacher should observe and approach each group, in order to follow up on the work done and thus evaluate the performance of groups.
Although teamwork is not ideal for all subjects and objectives, it certainly presents many advantages for our students. Some of them are:
There are certain situations that can degrade the experience within the classroom, among which we can mention:
Very large groups. Depending on the objective, the ideal is that they are not teams of more than four students.
Very closed or uncomfortable environments. Each team needs sufficient space to carry out their work comfortably.
Indiscipline. In adolescent groups, inadequate control of discipline in the classroom can be an impediment to carrying out team activities.
Picture taken with smartphone.
To achieve a successful experience with teamwork, you must take into account the general characteristics of the class, behavior, number of team members, materials, knowledge of the subject, clarity in the statement of instructions and objectives. It is essential that the teacher reserve time within the planning of the activity, for closing the class, with the orientations and exchange of ideas about the subject worked and the results achieved by teams.
