While many teachers come to rely on traditional formats like lectures and note taking, there can be much to gain by incorporating new methods into the classroom. One of these teaching techniques is opportunities for teamwork. By facilitating the collaboration between students, they have the ability to learn and grow in various ways. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of teamwork in the classroom, and how you might implement more group collaboration in your lesson plans moving forward.
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6 Benefits of Teamwork in the Classroom
- Teamwork promotes social skills. When students are asked to work together to accomplish a common goal, they not only have the opportunity to learn the course material; they also have a space in which to practice social skills. Through teamwork, students can practice expressing their ideas in a respectful manner, as well as actively listening to their peers. It can also provide an opportunity for developing problem-solving skills, as students navigate situations where they may not agree with others’ approaches, and have to find compromise and resolution.
- Teamwork allows each student to feel heard and valued. It is easy for certain students, especially those that are more reserved, to feel as though they get lost in a larger group. However, being in a small group setting may allow them to feel more comfortable sharing their input than they would in front of the entire class. Teamwork offers a chance for every student to offer their perspectives and use their talents in order to contribute to the mission at hand. This can significantly boost a student’s self-esteem.
- Teamwork allows students the chance to learn from their peers. When studying course material individually, a student only knows how they perceive a particular subject. On the other hand, collaboration with others allows for students to learn from each other, and expand their perspectives on a topic. They have the chance to encounter other ideas and ways of seeing the world from those who may think differently from them.
- Teamwork enhances feelings of connectedness and community among students. Collaboration provides a chance for students to talk and get to know each other, and build positive relationships that may extend outside of the classroom. This can help students to feel as though they belong, and are part of a supportive community.
- Teamwork prepares students for their future paths. As most jobs involve collaborating with others to some extent, employers are often looking for people who can be ‘team players’. Cultivating the ability to work well with others can help to prepare students for their futures.
- Teamwork can add variety and excitement to lessons. If the presentation of material is always the same (like lectures), students may start to become increasingly checked out. Incorporating group work, discussions or projects into lessons can provide a positive change of pace, as it provides a different way of learning that may help students to feel more actively engaged.
Taking the Next Steps
Now that you have learned about the many benefits of teamwork educationally, socially, and personally, consider how you might implement more group work activities into your classroom. Here are several simple ideas to get started:
- Think-pair-share: the teacher poses a thoughtful question and asks students to think through or write down a response. They then are asked to pair with another student or in small groups to share their ideas about the topic.
- Mock debate: organize students into groups of three. One student takes on a certain position on a topic, and another student assumes the opposite position. After debating the topic, the third student selects the most convincing side, and has to back up their choice.
- Interactive games: design a game of Jeopardy or Family Feud with the course material. Split the class into two teams, and encourage them to discuss their answers with their teammates before providing an answer.
Alternative Ideas
For a way to build classmate bonding and teamwork abilities, should the next school outing be a super-fun trip to an escape room? These have become an increasingly popular experience for both adults and kids, where you use your problem-solving skills and teamwork to find your way out of quirky-themed escape rooms in a set time period. It allows you to challenge your mind with friends while having a great day out. Not only are these beneficial for a child’s development, but they’re super fun!