1. Developing Teamwork Efficacy Factors: An Experience in a Project Based Learning Context.
- Author
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GARMENDIA MUJIKA, MIKEL, GARIKANO OSINAGA, XABIER, SIERRA URIA, EGOITZ, and PEREZ MANSO, ANGEL
- Subjects
TEAMS in the workplace ,ENGINEERS ,ENGINEERING education ,ENGINEERING teachers ,METHODOLOGY - Abstract
Teamwork is an important skill for the engineer. Numerous universities are designing and experimenting with training programs to develop this competency among their students. The aspects of teamwork that are practiced may vary depending on the methodology used and the context it is used in. But, what teamwork factors influence the effective working of a team? What strategies and activities can contribute to the development of efficacy factors among teams of students in a Project Based Learning context? Having undergone the experience, how important do the students think these efficacy factors are? An activity program was designed and implemented in a CAD subject to develop selected 14 teamwork factors. A pre-post test design was used to compare the level of compliance and to evaluate the importance that the students gave to each of them, using quantitative analysis. Questionnaires were also used with open-ended questions on the experience which were analyzed qualitatively. For all of the factors the level of compliance is higher than for previous experience. The students rated as very important all 14 factors included in the research. The students' perception of acquiring knowledge about efficacy in team working increased significantly. The students also rated positively the instruction they received. We conclude that the activity program and the strategies employed contributed to the smooth operation of the teams and helped to put into practice and develop factors that contribute to effective team working. The most important factors are those related to behaviour, interpersonal relationships and attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013