Introduction
Purpose and Structure of this OER
The use of group work has increased in the classroom, yet students and professionals are often expected to know how to be successful in groups without having been provided steps, structures, or strategies for navigating teamwork. The three Modules in this OER provide theories, skills, and worksheets to help students learn about themselves and how they can improve their group work processes. This OER provides a practical approach to enacting team dynamics as an effective group member or facilitator.
Definitions
A group or team can be defined as an “Interaction of three or more interdependent members working to achieve a common goal” (Engleberg & Wynn, 2013, p. 3) The ability to work in teams, as well as individually, is a skill sought by employers. Few will want to hire someone who can not work with others and the classroom is a good place to start building this skill.
According to a survey of over 800 students, 86% agreed that group work was valuable and 63% agreed that they learned more effectively in groups (Engleberg & Wynn 2017). When working in a group, key considerations include:
- Being in a group can have both disadvantages and advantages.
Students usually cite the disadvantages first, often based in poor communication, and including the potential for conflict and the possibility of overwork by a few members, leading to group work taking more time, energy, and resources with a less satisfying result.The advantages of group work, however, outweigh these disadvantages, and include access to greater and more diverse resources, improved member satisfaction through expanding social and professional networks, and opportunities to enhance learning, engagements, creativity, and cultural understanding through diversity (Engleberg & Wynn 2017). - Recognizing that groups can come in different sizes.
There is no one right size for a group; group size depends on the required task(s). The larger the group, the more dyadic connections increase potentially increasing disadvantages (Hargie 2011). To optimize performance, limit the group size to the minimum number required to perform the task and enhance the advantages of group work. - Striving for group synergy.
Ideally, the group should form a synergy, a positive cooperative interaction where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Synergy requires individuals to be willing to engage with other group members, and also be able to interact, understand, integrate and implement via successful two-way communication (Engleberg & Wynn 2017).
How to use this OER
Although designed to support instructors, elements of this OER can also be used for students, notably Module 3: Activities and Worksheets. It is not necessary to read the three Modules (previewed below) in the order presented; readers can dip into the sections most relevant to their needs or interest.
| Module 1 | Group Work Theories Provides a brief overview of some of the theories and important names in group work research. |
| Module 2 | Building Professional Relationships and Self-Knowledge Techniques Details practical techniques to strengthen relations with others and oneself. |
| Module 3 | Activities and Worksheets Includes resources that have been proven in the classroom, provided in both digital and PDF formats that can be printed for in-class activities or assessment. |
References
Engleberg, I., & Wynn, D. (2017). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies, 7th Ed. Pearson.
Engleberg, I., & Wynn, D. (2013). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies, 6th Ed. Pearson.
Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, theory and practice. 5th Ed. Routledge.
