Characterizing Team Orientations and Academic Performance in Cooperative Project-Based Learning Environments

Aparajita Jaiswal,Tugba Karabiyik,Paul Thomas,Alejandra J Magana

doi:10.3390/educsci11090520

Aparajita Jaiswal, Tugba Karabiyik + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11090520

Copy DOI

Journal: Education Sciences	Publication Date: Sep 8, 2021
Citations: 10	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Purdue University West Lafayette

Abstract

Information technology professionals are required to possess both technical and professional skills while functioning in teams. Higher education institutions are promoting teamwork by engaging students in cooperative and project-based learning environments. We characterized teams based on their collective orientations and evaluated their team performance in a cooperative project-based learning environment situated in a sophomore-level systems analysis and design course. We explored the orientation patterns in terms of goals, roles, processes, and interpersonal relations (GRPI). Specifically, we analyzed team retrospectives of 23 teams using a mixed-method approach. Findings characterized teams into balanced and unbalanced orientations. Teams with balanced orientations demonstrated a higher level of team performance in terms of academic achievement than the unbalanced category.

Highlights

Introduction and Academic Performance inThe interdisciplinary nature of information technology (IT) work requires graduates to possess a blend of technical and professional skills
It is essential for the instructors to design their course on known pedagogical approaches such as cooperative learning, project-based learning, or other similar approaches that encourage students to actively participate while they work in groups [9]
The class implemented cooperative learning in a project-based learning environment, and we investigated how the team members oriented themselves in terms of their teamwork skills and identified the team’s academic performance

Summary

Introduction

The interdisciplinary nature of information technology (IT) work requires graduates to possess a blend of technical and professional skills Such skills include communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving abilities [1]. Learning in groups or in teams is considered an important approach to helping students develop communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills [5]. A study by [6,7] revealed that working in teams or groups does not necessarily help students to develop teamwork skills. Other studies have revealed that students have found team-based learning a positive experience when the instructor takes the initiative to form groups, follow up on the progress, and train the team on teamwork skills [8,9]. It is essential for the instructors to design their course on known pedagogical approaches such as cooperative learning, project-based learning, or other similar approaches that encourage students to actively participate while they work in groups [9]

Methods

Results

Conclusion