GREAT LEARNING

We define teams as individuals working or learning together to achieve a common goal.  Teams are essential to Great Learning. Teams should demonstrate good communication skills and be able to collaborate to realize shared goals and be effective in their pursuit of those goals. Teams can enhance Great Learning by providing individuals with opportunities to develop their personal standards such as empathy, core values and an ethical approach. An example of this would be the IB’s PYP Exhibition where students are able to experience, rehearse and refine their group work skills.  Clearly teams will also ensure that many other aspects that improve learning can be more effectively introduced and implemented.

 

On the other hand, teams that are poorly organised often lose sight of the intended outcome and become distracted by negative group dynamics. Therefore Great Learning is in danger of becoming dominated by ineffective group work. Inadequate team skills amongst staff members can also affect Great Learning. For example, if the school encourages a competitive culture between different sections or departments battling for resources then the focus of Great Learning has been lost. 

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