Teambuilding Workshop

Developed by the First Year Engineering Program faculty
at Ohio State University
(with support from the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition and NSF)

                                             
Overview:

In a one hour workshop, student teams learn about different learning styles, the dynamics of effective teams, how to manage possible conflicts in their groups, and how to write an effective team agreement. During the presentation students participate in a short teambuilding activity in which they have to create a beam using materials, constraints, and requirements outlined in a handout. During the presentation students also complete the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire (Felder & Soloman) and record their results.
This workshop takes place during Engineering 181, which is the first course of the two-course sequence Fundamentals of Engineering I for First-Year Students at Ohio State University. This course sequence is required for entrance to the engineering major.


Learning Objectives or Student Outcomes:

By the end of this workshop, the students will have:
1. learned about different learning styles, the dynamics of effective teams, how to manage possible conflicts in their groups, and how to write an effective team agreement.
2. participated in a short teambuilding activity in which they have to work as a team to create a beam using materials, constraints, and requirements outlined in a handout.
3. evaluated learning styles through the completion of Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire (Felder & Soloman) and the recording of their results.

Length of Workshop:

One hour

Team Size/Composition:

For the duration of this course, students are placed in teams of four. Groups are kept the same for the entire quarter.

How is positive interdependence ensured?

Each team works together to complete one beam and to write one Team Working Agreement.

How is individual accountability built in to the project?

Students are given individual roles to perform in the completion of the activity. Also, each student individually completes the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire and records the results.

Components of Assessment:

Students will be assessed on the final team design, which must meet the specified requirements, and on the completion of the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire.

Team Skills Needed for Success:

All team members must have the ability to communicate, cooperate and collaborate; they must also feel free to share their own ideas and to give and receive constructive feedback. It is the expectation that students will not be defensive, will present views logically, and will be willing to listen.

How Are These Skills Emphasized?

These skills are emphasized by the assignment of roles and the completion of one team design.

Multimedia Needs for Instructor:

• Student handouts
• Teambuilding Workshop PowerPoint presentation
• PowerPoint presentation system

Materials Needed by Students:

• One sheet of newsprint
• One file label or one piece of tape
• Two plastic cups
• Two student handouts

Content Lesson Links:

Instruction to Students

Handouts

Teambuilding Workshop Presentation

Student Handout on Teams & Learning Styles

Simply Supported Beams Exercise Handout

©2003, First Year Engineering Program Faculty at Ohio State University
These materials may be duplicated for educational purposes if properly credited.