Working in a team can often present challenges, with differences in personality, miscommunications, and unclear role definitions all potentially hindering the group’s effectiveness. To address these issues, the goal of this course was to equip participants with a range of skills that promote both team efficiency and a positive working environment. The course aimed to provide insights on how to be effective team leaders and team members, whether within a classroom setting or with colleagues in a professional environment..

Nové vydání kurzu “Effective Group Management in education: building Teamwork among students” se konalo v Tenerife from 15/06/2025 to 21/06/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Inese Lāce, Dace Gabriša and Dace Brakša from Vidzemes Tehnoloģiju un dizaina tehnikums in Latvia; Zoran Skender and Ivan Kasunić from OŠ Dr. Branimira Markovića, in Croatia; and Manuela Mendozzi, Maria Ausilia Indiveri and Gabriella Zambetti from Don Milani – Bari, 70124 in Italy. 

Throughout the course, we explored several critical aspects of working in teams and managing groups. Initially, we focused on the distinction between groups and teams. Participants learned that while all teams are groups, not all groups qualify as teams. A key factor that distinguishes teams is the shared pursuit of a common goal, and it is the leader’s responsibility to ensure that this collective objective remains the team’s primary focus. Additionally, participants were introduced to the various stages of team development and the typical challenges that arise at each stage, helping them to identify strategies for resolving conflicts or tensions.

Also, the course delved into the importance of clearly defined team roles. Through a variety of group exercises, participants experienced firsthand the challenges of working in teams when roles and responsibilities are unclear. They discovered how such confusion can lead to miscommunication, create tension, and waste valuable time. Clearly defining roles and expectations is crucial for ensuring that each team member knows their responsibility and how they contribute to the group’s success.

We focused on leadership, discussing how to effectively guide a team. A successful leader must be flexible, understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of individual team members and the overall group dynamics. Participants learned that leadership is not one-size-fits-all; different leadership styles are valid, each with its own advantages and challenges. Effective leaders adapt their approach based on the team’s needs and the specific situation. We also explored the basics of coaching, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and using positive language to motivate the team and maintain morale.

The final topic covered during the course was fostering peer feedback and peer assessment in the classroom. By using peer learning strategies, students take an active role in their own education, shifting the focus from mere grades to the learning process itself. Participants had the opportunity to engage in peer feedback activities, experiencing firsthand how these strategies can enhance their students’ learning experience. Therefore, by the end of the course, participants walked away with a toolkit of activities and strategies that will undoubtedly prove beneficial in their classrooms.
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Další informace o tomto kurzu zde.