How to Become an Effective Team Leader 

Working in a team is not always easy: different personalities, miscommunications and an unclear definition of roles are all aspects that can negatively impact on the efficiency of the group. For this reason, the aim of this course was to learn a variety of skills that can both ensure team efficiency but also promote a positive environment in the workplace. By participating in this course our participants got some inputs on how to become better team leaders and team members, whether it’s inside a classroom or with colleagues.

A nova edição do curso “Effective Group Management in education: Building Teamwork among students” teve lugar em Tenerife from 14/06/2026 to 20/06/2026. The participants came from all across Europe, with Nina from Pohjois-Haagan Yhteiskoulu in Finland; Maša and Aleksandra from IC Piramida Maribor in Slovenia; and Mariia from acc ADU AES em Itália.

Throughout the course, participants explored various aspects of teamwork, group dynamics, and leadership. The first topic focused on understanding the distinction between a group and a team. Participants learned that not every group functions as a team, as a true team is united by a shared objective. As a result, effective team leaders must ensure that the common goal remains the central focus. Participants also examined the different stages of team development and the characteristics associated with each phase, enabling them to identify appropriate strategies for addressing challenges, managing conflict, and supporting team cohesion.

The second area of focus was the significance of team roles. Through a range of collaborative activities, participants experienced firsthand the difficulties that arise when responsibilities and expectations are unclear. They observed how the absence of well-defined roles can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, tension, and ineffective communication. More importantly, they recognized that a lack of role clarity can waste valuable time, as team members may feel uncertain about their contributions and the expectations placed upon them.

On the third day, attention shifted to the skills required for effective leadership. Participants explored the importance of adapting leadership approaches to different situations and understanding both the strengths and areas for development of individual team members, as well as the overall group dynamic. They discovered that successful leadership does not follow a single model; rather, there are multiple leadership styles, each with its own advantages and limitations. Participants reflected on how different approaches can be applied according to the needs of the team and the context. In addition, they were introduced to the foundations of coaching and learned how adopting a growth mindset, both in attitude and language, can help sustain motivation, engagement, and a positive team atmosphere.

The final group management topic addressed during the course was the promotion of peer feedback and peer assessment within educational settings. Participants explored how peer-learning strategies encourage students to become active contributors to their own learning process, shifting attention from grades toward meaningful learning and reflection. Through practical activities, they tested a variety of peer-assessment and peer-feedback techniques, gaining firsthand experience of these methods from a learner’s perspective and developing a deeper understanding of their educational value.

Overall, the week provided a rich combination of learning opportunities, professional exchange, and enjoyable experiences. Participants left with a wide range of practical activities, leadership strategies, and collaborative learning techniques that they can confidently transfer to their own classrooms and educational environments.

More info on this course aqui.