Individual's Needs and Difference
It is often assumed that we naturally develop the skills to work with others. Good teaching involves working in groups. This does not mean that the individuals within them are working as a team, but implies that learners must be encouraged and given the opportunity to learn these skills.
Experience shows that team working:
- increases energy and creativity
- makes the most of a range of skills and knowledge
- improves understanding, communication and a sense of shared purpose
- improves efficiency.
ACTIVITY
Working in a team requires you to develop a range of communication skills. This activity asks you to engage in an activity and evaluate your role in the group.
Take part in a one to one discussion and a group discussion.
Respond appropriately to others.
Adapt what you say to different situations.
Listen carefully to what others say.
Develop points and ideas, with an awareness of others' feelings, beliefs and opinions.
Encourage others to contribute.
Listen and respond sensitively.
Respond perceptively to contributions from others.
Evaluate how effective you were in the group and the roles you adopted.
How might you teach these skills to a student?
The main learning experience for students on placement will be that of meeting and working with a completely new group of people, often older than the student and have more authority. While students on work experience may not always have the opportunity to plan their work and develop process skills to any great extent, they should be able to demonstrate their personal qualities and practise and improve their interpersonal skills.
