Learners work in teams
to create actual products (presentations,
posters, and so forth), responding to
the central themes of safety, teamwork,
and quality. Learners use brainstorming,
discussion, and writing to define and
examine problems. They then develop group
memos, checklists, charts, or other forms
of presentations to capture their group
responses to the problems posed in these
thematic areas.
While you, the instructor,
do not participate directly in the team
activities, you are present to coach and
encourage proper teaming behaviors and
collaboration. Positive classroom teamwork
experiences translate directly into the
working world. This also is an opportunity
for assessing how students respond to
group dynamics, support mutual participation,
manage disagreements, and learn strategies
to build consensus.
- How to set team ground
rules and code of conduct;
- How to disagree respectfully;
- Use of good listening
skills;
- Stating opinions and
ideas clearly;
- Being open with feelings;
- Avoiding criticism of
an individual's only ideas;
- Acknowledging differences
without using biased or emotional
language;
- Understanding the impact
of individual behavior on a team;
- Examining pros and cons;
- Being positive;
- Focusing on the task;
and
- How to make presentations.
The curriculum sets aside
approximately three hours in each modular
week for students to create and present
their team projects. During the Warehouse
Week module, students produce new safety
guideline recommendations. During the
Materials Handling Week, students produce
the "Top 10 List" of good teaming
rules. During the Materials Assembly Week,
students discuss the importance of quality
assurance and customer satisfaction and
capstone their project by responding to
customer complaint letters.
These project ideas are but
general recommendations. Many EnterTech
instructors experienced with the target
learners and job readiness training have
their own repertoire of group activities
that they enjoy teaching and coaching.
To respond to the individual dynamics
of your own student group, feel free to
augment team activities or replace with
other project-based learning activities.
