I grew up watching soccer with my grandfather. I know, sorry my fellow Americans, as a Russian girl I only knew one type of football, – the soccer type. I understood very little about the rules and technique of the players, but I knew the members of my favorite teams by heart….Holland, Argentina and Brazil…Now when I look back I wonder why I chose those teams as my heroes? I had no association with them in terms of their language, their looks (well, the dark, long-haired Argentinian players had probably something to do with the choice). Even the number of their victories had very little to do with my devotion. What I really loved the most is not how they played, but how they played TOGETHER. I could never understand how they could almost predict each other’s moves, and selflessly pass the ball after running across the field to their team player who was closer to the gates of the “enemy”.
Most online educators and trainers today realize the importance of collaboration and interaction online. However, I believe we do not pay enough attention to team building. Team building is an art which consists of various techniques that one must master in order to score goals online.
Teams do not only make learning process more fun and efficient, a strong team helps develop a sense of belonging- a feeling that becomes particularly important in the distance learning context. A strong team also functions as a support group that can extend beyond the limits of the classroom. Therefore, I decided to create a video where I share my secret recipe for team building online. Learn about the important ingredients of this process by clicking on the video below:
WHAT TO DO NOW:
- In the comments below please share YOUR secret ingredients for team building in your online classroom or training session.
- Go to my FB page (hint: you don’t need to have an FB account) and participate in my poll on team building: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Marina-Kostina/240700579324115
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Click on the picture for more information!
If you liked this article you may also like:
http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/09/29/how-to-create-connection-in-distance-education/
http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/10/06/how-to-create-connection-online-part-2/
I agree. Having team rules, it is very important. And departing from a responsibility for own learning, so that later, be a shared learning and enriching. Moreover, to analyze the role of each participant within the group, and each participant can be aware of that role, and thus get a good “group climate or environment.” Learn various techniques and tactics to improve relationships within of team and know personal characteristics and improve communication is very necessary. Knowing assertive establish a relationship with students.Thanks.
You are very welcome, Paz! Please feel free to share any other strategies. I know I did not mentionall of them:-)
Well, I think you mentioned the many strategies wide
ly.
For example, if necessary, to introduce an activity to improve relations between people, to know that when we communicate, parts may be unknown, enter the unconscious communication.
A technique, of long ago, but it has worked sometimes “Johari Window” although online can be more complicated to implement it, or maybe not.
In addition, identify potential conflicts in the group, and tell whether they are related to the task, goals, or affective, emotional, role playing, assigning different personalities to solve a problem that is related to the content of learning.
Help the student to be able to be aware of their role, and in any case, learning to recognize when there has been an empathy between the group and when not. Understanding the “cooperative power” and analyze their own attitudes that hinder communication.
The master must generate options, explaining what he thinks and recognizing the needs of the student.
¿Perhaps blended – Learning to be more complete? This makes the approach and communication between group members and the initial emotional blockage removed.
This is a very interesting list of strategies, Paz! Thanks so much for generously sharing them with our audience. What is “Johari Window”? I am not familiar with this technique.
There is a list with a series of adjectives that describe aspects of personality.
1.Since we see ourselves and how we see others.
2. As others see us but we are not aware.
3. What we know about us but we show to others.
4. That we present ourselves, without being aware, but we could get to know.
After performing a group discussion.
With depending on which groups use games to improve self-knowledge, or to improve relations, I think it must be dificl, but can also be useful and fun What do you think? I do not know if I express clearly what I want with English. Thank you for your attention.
LOVE this, Paz! This is a great approach toany subject and any educational medium. Thanks so much for sharing
Marina,
Great video, you have hit the nail on the head. I have often chosen my student teams inside the classroom because most of the time students will want to socialize. Sometimes I would let them pick their teams and they usually pick another student who is at a similar experience/knowledge level as they are currently. If the team doesn’t work, I would intervene and have them either work on their own or have them work in another group.
I love the fact that you give your students some freedom to chose their teams, but that you also intervene in order to guide them to more effective routes. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Lynn!
I always enjoy watching your online teaching videos. You give good advice and your lessons are animated and professional, while personal and encouraging. Thanks for another good video for watchers like me!
Nancy,
You just made my day. Thanks so much for your encouraging words. So happy to be of service.