Teamwork Tips

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge requires students to work in teams of two, three or four. Helping students work in teams facilitates hands-on learning and directly engages students in the process of science. Although most middle school students have experience working in teams, it’s important to ensure that students are set up for success as they complete this challenge. Since they may be competing with others in the class and surely will be competing with others across the country, it is important that their team collaborates effectively throughout the process. Following are some tips to help student teams be successful:

• If you are assigning teams, think about grouping students together who have different strengths but work well together.
• If students are developing their own teams, encourage them to select group members with whom they work well. They may also want to team with other students who share similar environmental concerns.
• Before launching into the project, talk with students about what it takes to be a good team member. For example, team members should:
  • Listen to and try to include ideas from all.
  • Compromise whenever possible.
  • Set and clearly define reasonable goals for each team member.
  • Live up to commitments.
  • Pull their own weight.
  • Help each other if one team member is struggling, and
  • Keep all communication positive and constructive.
• Challenge students to assign and accept responsibility for specific roles within the project. One student should not be responsible for the majority of the work.
• If appropriate, have students define specific team roles and/or a problem-solving process.
• Work with them during their initial brainstorming session or help them develop rules for brainstorming.
• If possible, arrange the room so that groups can work together without disturbing others.