Effective Group Work in the ESOL Classroom

Erica HarrisLewis & Clark College

ORTESOL 2012 Presentation

In small groups…

Share an example from your learning or teaching experience of:1. an effective

group project – why was it effective?

2. an ineffective (nightmare?) group project – why was it ineffective?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myheimu/7995643041/

Overview

Seminar: Conflict Resolution course What makes a team effective? Team projects – a process for your

courses Grading for team projects Q&A

Seminar: Conflict Resolution

Advanced level content-based course Textbook: Training in Interpersonal Skills:

TIPS for Managing People at Work, 5th ed. (Robbins & Hunsaker, 2009)

5-part course:1. Self-awareness2. Communicating3. Leading4. Teaming5. Problem Solving

Textbook Format

Need for interpersonal skills training Need for self-awareness first Each chapter:

Self-assessment exercise Skill concepts Concept quiz Group exercises (interactive, role play) Application & action plan

Chapter 16: Working with Teams

Characteristics of High-Performing Teams (pp. 268-269):1. Small size ( <10 members)2. Complementary skills3. Common purpose4. Specific goals5. Common approach6. Mutual accountability

Chapter 16: Working with Teams

Obstacles to Effective Teamwork (pp.

270-271):1. Weak sense of direction2. Infighting3. Shirking of responsibilities4. Lack of trust5. Critical skills gaps6. Lack of external support

Chapter 16: Working with Teams

Overcoming Obstacles to Effective Teamwork (pp. 271-272):1. Create clear goals2. Encourage teams to go for small wins3. Build mutual trust4. Appraise group and individual

performances5. Provide the necessary external support6. Offer team-building training7. Change the team’s membership

Skills Training: Group Work?

Students need to be taught how to work in teams. Doesn’t come automatically Many students have little / no

experience, or negative experiences Students need to understand the

value of group work Teachers need to know how to

implement effective teams – quickly!

Collaborative Team Project & Presentation

1. Team decides: Communication Roles Conflict resolution

process Timeline with

deadlines for each step2. Final project &

presentation: Present final project Present about team’s

processes

3. Evaluation: Team evaluation Self-evaluation Personal reflective

paper Peer-evaluation

Customizing the process for any group projectin your courses…

Key Concepts for Effective Group Work

You choose group members (usually) based on your personal criteria

Students may indicate preferences, or you may assign randomly

In class, discuss: why teamwork is important benefits of peer learning

Make team process part of your grading criteria

Graded Items

1. Team plan for: communication working together resolving possible conflict

2. Team timeline of major deadlines and goals 3. Final project and/or presentation4. Team evaluation (completed together)5. Self evaluation (individual & confidential)6. Peer evaluation (individual & confidential)

Intermediate class: Team Project Assignment

Other Considerations

Personality profiles (self-awareness) In-class work time Conflict resolution options &

escalation Your plan for team members who:

have poor attendance don’t do their share of the work receive poor peer evaluations cannot resolve conflict with teammates

Questions?

Team project documents:http://www.slideshare.net/harrise/

Contact Erica: harrise@lclark.edu

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bourguiboeuf/8154926246/

ReferencesRobbins, S. P., & Hunsaker, P. L. (2009). Training in interpersonal

skills: TIPS for managing people at work (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.