I've spent a good deal of time this year developing my students' collaborative skills. I've had them analyze collaboration rubrics and define what it means to be a great team player. They even made their own rubric! (see right). Every PBL I designed this year involves multiple rounds of peer revision. Recently, I've moved towards always having an individual product AND a team product to encourage more collaboration in projects. At this point in the year, my students know can define a great teammate, and they are continually working towards the standards we've set: |
- Great teams actively generate ideas. In strong teams, all members contribute.
- Great teams identify individual strengths and capitalize on them.
- Great team identify areas where they need to grow.
- Great teams give AND take feedback from each other.
- Great teams respect each others and maintain a positive culture.
- When is the last time I had someone evaluate one of my lessons?
- When is the last time I asked someone to look at a project I designed and give some feedback?
- When have I asked someone to come and observe my class?
- Do I give and take feedback on a regular basis, weekly? maybe daily?
- What goals do I have, and were those goals made in isolation, or are they part of a larger collaborative vision?
- What strengths do I bring to the table? What strengths exist within other members of my team?