The Effective Teaming Laboratory: Research Overview

The Impetus

Industry's need for employees with sound interpersonal skills and ABET's requirement for engineering programs to demonstrate that students have the ability to function in multidisciplinary teams.

The Need for a Methodology

Industry's need for employees with sound interpersonal skills and ABET's requirement for engineering programs to demonstrate that students have the ability to function in multidisciplinary teams.

• to assist with the facilitation of teamwork in the classroom;
• to assist with the measurement of individual growth to learning a subject and learning how to work in a team; and
• to assist with the measurement of teamwork effectiveness.

Research Questions

• What does it mean to function on a multi-disciplinary team?
• What should be used to measure students' ability to do so?
• How will teaming in the classroom be used to enhance this ability?
• What role effect does teamwork have on the enhancement of learning?
• What factors/conditions are most important for producing an effective teaming experience?

Definition of Effectiveness

Effectiveness(E) is defined as a function of PERFORMANCE(P), BEHAVIOUR(B) and ATTITUDE(A).

Team Effectiveness Performance Outcomes

• TASK: Output meets the standards of quantity, quality and timeliness of those who use the product or receive the service.
• TEAM PROCESS:The manner in which team members work together.

Satisfaction

• BEHAVIOUR:The experience contributes to the growth and well-being of the team.
• ATTITUDE:The process of carrying out the work enhances the capability of members to work together in the future.

Characteristics of Highly Effective Teams (Constructs)

• Common purpose
• Clearly defined goals
• Psychological safety
• Role clarity
• Mature communication
• Productive conflict resolution
• Accountable Interdependence

Future Research

• Further validation of instrument
• Further testing of reliability
• Develop pre-assessment methodology
• Develop and test a protocol for behavioral observation
• videotaping
• Critical Team Behaviors Form