Leaders are important in learning together, but they are not the most important team member. The most important team member is the one who helps the group solve the problem or complete the project. Working together can be hard. Here are some things to keep in mind as you work in a group.
Stay focused on the problem or project. A good team member will put his energy into thinking about the team's work. Don't start talking about something else or distract others by fidgeting and bumping into them. Don't wander off. You are part of the team for a reason and the team needs your help.
Example: Susan had a great time at the zoo last weekend and she really wants to tell people about her trip. She remembers that the group has a job to do and saves her story for a better time.
Share your ideas with the team. You may have the best idea for solving the problem and if you don't share it with the team, the solution or project won't be as good as it could be.
Example: Seth is new in class and really doesn't like talking in front of other students. He has an idea for the presentation, but he doesn't want to share it because he doesn't want to call attention to himself. He realizes that he owes it to the team to share his idea, so he speaks up.
Know your special talents and abilities. Each member of the team has different strengths and weaknesses. A good team member knows what his strengths are and volunteers to do the job he's good at. A good team member realizes when someone else is better for the job and doesn't get upset when they don't get the job they want.
Example: Seth really wants to go around the school taking pictures with the digital camera. Susan knows how to use the digital camera, but she's not very good at writing. Seth is good at creative writing, so he volunteers to stay behind and work on the text for the poster while Susan takes pictures. Susan knows Seth is better at creative writing, so she doesn't have hurt feelings about this.
Keep a positive attitude. Your group CAN do the project or solve the problem. Don't give up and don't let your teammates give up.
Example: Jodi really doesn't feel good about Math problems. Every time she thinks, "We can't do this." she changes her thought to "We will do this!"
Share. Materials and supplies belong to the whole group. Each member should take what they need as they need it. If someone has a marker you need, work on something else until they are finished.
Example: There are 15 puzzle pieces. The group leaves the pieces where everyone can reach them and people take them as they see where they fit. They do not each take 3 pieces or fight or argue over who gets each peice because the pieces belong to the group.
Our class agrees that all of these are important. The group should encourage shy people to speak up. Everyone should share. Don't snatch and pull at the materials because they are the whole group's.
ReplyDeleteIf I was in a group and somebody needed help, I would help them. JS, JWES 2nd Grader
ReplyDeleteIf I was the leader I would take good care of my teammates even if they are a little bit mean or selfish. I don't care about their behavior. I care about their work.
ReplyDeleteEven if someone is being selfish, you can do something else. If they won't let anyone else use the red crayon, for example, just choose a different color.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these are important things to remember. If someone has the material that you need, ask them nicely. Always be kind to others. You should have courage to share your ideas. Respect others.
ReplyDeleteWe can be helpful to others.
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