Teamwork Basics

Here are some basic things to remember about teamwork:

Teams are teacher-selected.
One of the teacher’s fi rst responsibilities is to assign learning teams. Teams are selected by the teacher to
ensure that each student’s characteristics and abilities complement other team members and maximize the
learning experience for all involved.

Teams consist of four or five members.
Students work primarily with one partner within a team on math activities, so the fi rst step in team formation
is to assign each student a partner. If there is an uneven number of students in the teaching group, form a
partnership of three students. Students assigned to a three-person partnership should not have behavioral or
attention problems. Once students have been assigned to partners, create learning teams by assigning two
partnerships to each team or one partnership and a triad.

Teams are heterogeneous.
The goal is to create teams that are balanced and as heterogeneous as possible. Consider each student’s
abilities, ethnicity, gender, motivational level, personality, language profi ciency, absenteeism, and other
possible factors when forming teams. Within a team, students should have varying levels of past performance
in reading so they can effectively teach and learn from one another.

Teams stay together for an extended time.
Initially, teams may be formed on a temporary basis. However, within a week, teams should become
permanent, at least for the next four to eight weeks. This long-term investment helps students work out their
differences and learn to trust and help one another within a safe, collaborative environment.
Every four to six weeks, assign new teams. This provides the students with the opportunity to know and work
with other children in the classroom. Before students move to new teams though, you may want to conduct
a closure or good-bye activity. This helps to acknowledge the importance of the team to the students and
celebrates their hard work in learning.

All members of a team are rewarded for their success as a team.
Recognize and celebrate the teams’ accomplishments. Such recognition reinforces effective team behaviors
and leads to improved cooperative learning and continued success.