Book Description

A key role of educators is preparing students for today's world of work, where a top skill demanded by employers is the ability to work together in teams. This user-friendly manual equips educators with the tools needed to provide students with an understanding of what it takes to work successfully on group projects, and learn these valuable teamwork skills. The authors are two college educators with decades of experience teaching group dynamics. In this book, they share their expertise so that novice and experienced educators alike can better plan, execute, and assess group projects. Topics include assigning students to teams, developing a meaningful team task, creating leadership in student groups, managing conflict during a group project, communicating effectively as a group, and supporting teams in an online environment. The book is written in a conversational style and includes structured advice, examples, and worksheets to provide teachers with more confidence to run group projects in their classrooms across a wide range of subjects. The companion website offers additional resources and easy access to the authors who answer questions and provide consultation. This book is an invaluable resource that should be in the library of every educator.What Educators are Saying about the BookPlacing students into groups is a classic instructional method. Yet sometimes students and instructors need supplemental guidance to make group work successful rather than frustrating. If you use student group projects as an instructional method this is a must-have book. This practical resource offers a wealth of information, tips, and instructional strategies to facilitate working and learning in small groups. Highly recommended.Steven A. Beebe, Ph.D.Regents' and University Distinguished ProfessorTexas State UniversityCo-author, Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and PracticesAs a university professor in a large business school for 30 years, I know the value of group projects but have struggled with facilitating them well. I welcome this book. The authors have written a practical and concise treatment to enable group project success. This helpful handbook is full of excellent examples of the challenges those of us with group projects face, and useful solutions to those challenges. I highly recommend this book. Ellen F. Monk, Ph.D.Department of Accounting and MISLerner College of Business & EconomicsUniversity of DelawareI especially like the scenarios and practical applications that this book offers. I can envision high school teachers using this book in a professional learning community to guide their practices. I also can see this book used as a reference material - it's accessible and a quick read with valuable insight and perspectives uncovered. Offering a structured approach to group work would be particularly helpful for teachers.Amy Shannon, M.S. Assistant PrincipalVictor High SchoolThe adage "we are better together" rings true in every educational setting. Students learn best when they learn from each other. I often used group projects so students can blend their knowledge and past experiences to produce great work. And, to teach students how to work collaboratively as a team knowing that this is a critical life skill needed to thrive in today's global community. Now as a school administrator, I often observe teachers who employ team projects, but forget to establish guides and norms to help the team thrive. The authors of this book provide educators with a detailed guide on how students should collaborate to not only produce a project, but to learn critical life skills that can push the team to efficient new heights. This is a must read for teachers who want to get the very best out of their student teams. I highly recommend this book and will incorporate its practices in my district.Michael V. Ginestre, M.S., Superintendent of SchoolsSherman Central School District