Review the typical schedule for successful teamwork in BSHS/305, as shown below.

Typical Schedule

1. Each team member checks the team assignment in the syllabus by day 1 (Tuesday). Questions and suggestions for organizing the assignment are posted in the discussion area under the assignment.

2. Team members complete the readings relevant to the assignment early in the week so they can contribute meaningful ideas to the team discussion.

3. Team members complete assigned tasks and post their work in the discussion area for review no later than day 4 (Friday night).

4. Team members read and comment on each other’s work no later than the end of day 5 (Saturday). Comments can include questions if information is unclear or incomplete, suggestions for changes if needed, and approval if the information is ready to be included in the final assignment. There must be evidence of true collaboration in this step. Do not consider your work finished when you post your own ideas or portion of the assignment.

5. The team leader compiles all contributions into a single assignment and posts it for the team’s review no later than mid-day on day 6 (Sunday) to allow time for all team members to review it before submission on Monday.

6. All team members review and approve the final assignment. This is the time to proofread carefully to correct any spelling or grammar errors, check APA formatting as needed, and verify that all assignment requirements are met. Each team member posts a comment to indicate that he or she has completed this step no later than mid-day on day 7 (Monday).

Respond to each of the following questions with a minimum of 50-words each. Give each question careful thought. Use writing skills that would be expected in a professional work environment—write in complete sentences with correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

1. Notice that teamwork requires frequent communication inside and outside of the classroom throughout each week. You will be expected to devote a minimum of 4 hours per week (in Weeks 2–5) on team communications and assignments. Failing to stay in communication, contribute to all steps, and meet team deadlines creates stress and conflict among team members and has a negative effect on grades. In the space below, discuss your readiness to meet the requirements for frequent team involvement.

I am ready to devote to team work. I feel that I will be good at helping others that fall behind or are struggling in the class. The hardest thing is dealing with stress and other class members failing to communicate. Communication is a major part of anything we do. Without communication we will fail.

2. What strengths do you believe you will bring to your Learning Team? (Consider academic skills, communication skills, flexibility, leadership ability, and interpersonal skills.) How will you exercise these strengths to meet team goals?

I think I can bring leadership to the group. I also feel I can provide flexibility to the group since I do not work and am always at home. The flexibility will help me be able to work on assignment when the team is on. I can use leadership to encourage others.

3. What questions or concerns do you have about working in a team? If you have had previous Learning Team experience, what did you find worked well to meet team goals? What problems, if any, did you encounter?

What happens if one class mate fails to participate

4. As a future human services professional, you will be dealing with people in stressful circumstances. Some important skills in this field include the ability to effectively manage your own stress level and to remain professional while resolving problems or conflict. How do you normally respond to conflict or frustration? How will you respond if a teammate is not meeting your expectations? What ideas and tips from the Learning Team Handbook (linked in student materials for this assignment) can you use?

When dealing with stress I remember to use coping skills. I stop and think before I react. Another big thing I have learned is to not let my feelings get involved.

Preparation for Learning Team Assignments Rubric: Possible Earned
Responses are thorough and communicate careful reflection on the questions. 4 4
Mechanics: College-level writing is used. Sentences are clear, complete, and concise. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct. 1 1
Total 5 5