Working in Teams Panther Prep North Central High School

Quote “I’d really rather work alone….” Forget it! …The 21 st century works in groups.

Introduction People are social beings!!! Castaway shows how difficult it may be to exist without human contact (…remember “Wilson”?)

Introduction Benefits of group work: –Requires active rather than passive learning –Requires reflection & communication skills –Results in higher achievement & greater productivity –Produces more caring, supportive, & committed relationships

Introduction Benefits of group work: –Produces greater psychological health, social competence, and self-esteem –Produces positive peer relations—an absence of which is a predictor of college failure! –Studies show discussion to be superior to lectures in improving thinking and problem solving

Theories of Interpersonal Behavior Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs –Theory is based on three major assumptions: People’s needs are arranged in order of importance (hierarchy), going from basic needs to more complex needs People will not be motivated to satisfy a higher-level need unless the lower-level need(s) has been satisfied People have five classifications of needs

Theories of Interpersonal Behavior Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs –The needs in order of importance to a person: Physiological Needs: primary or basic needs Safety Needs: safety and security needs Social Needs: love, friendship, acceptance, affection Esteem Needs: ego, status, self-respect, recognition Self-Actualization: highest level of need is to develop one’s full potential

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Working Group Dynamics in an Educational Environment Effective Teamworking Skills Listen effectively Contribute proactively Ask clear questions Establish & maintain good rapport with teammates Be sensitive to cultural, religious, or gender differences Use clear, concise, & professional language Help resolve conflict

Working Group Dynamics in an Educational Environment Types of Listening –Hearing Note nonverbal cues Work to comprehend meaning and significance of message –Analyzing Uses critical thinking to discern purpose of message in broader context of discussion Considers persuasive strategy of messenger, nature and objectives of topic, and positions of other group members

Working Group Dynamics in an Educational Environment Types of Listening –Empathizing Highest level of listening; most complex type Requires sensitivity to the emotional content of the message as conveyed Involves withholding judgment and trying to see things from other person’s point-of-view