CONTRIBUTIONS 5315 / 5317

THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING AS A TEAM

95/100

 

When I started the Master's and made my innovation proposal, I assumed it was an isolated assignment in which I could mess up my mind and ask myself what I could do to change an actual situation.

Today, nine months later, I analyze what happened, and I realize that beyond isolated assignments, it is a one-year project that has allowed me to address daily issues and real problems and study in depth why and for what.

In this synopsis, I want to present everything I learned, what I experienced, and the conclusions of these two assignments.

 

5315

 

Mechanisms and measurement models to assess the impact and result of the innovation proposal: I must confess that just like the first time, developing Literature is one of the most challenging assignments. I have analyzed why, and perhaps it is because the Latin American education system focuses on memorization instead of research, and a lot of research is needed here.

Asking yourself questions like... what is the question that leads to your study? It is challenging and allows you to focus your research correctly.

Exploring measurement and analysis mechanisms and data collection has been the most complicated part of this assignment. I remember the fundamental principle that what is not measured is not controlled. I look forward to seeing the students' results when implementing typing as a daily rotation to improve reading and writing skills.

 

5317

 

Having a voice and expressing your beliefs is a great opportunity that freedom gives, and that was the case for me. Resources of digital environments: it was exciting to develop a publication article; thanks to my article, I had the opportunity to research and read several authors who present the benefits of keyboarding, so it was like my mantra during these assignments; it has also been a great revelation to show that there is still a lot to research and make known about this skill.

The podcast was an incredible experience. At first, we felt pretty fearful and full of doubts, but later, we became aware that we had much to contribute and that the topics we were passionate about deserved to be shown.

It was straightforward to distribute the topics for the development of this project because one of the significant advantages we have in our group is that we know each other's skills very well.

 

Our experience

 

Working as a team is essential to success in any project or company. I am sure that one of the success factors at this point in my Master's degree is my work team. Our different skills and styles complement us quite well; some factors that are fundamental for us and are already part of our team style:

 

1. **Effective communication**: transparent and open communication is essential.

 

2. **Mutual trust and respect**: A good team is based on trust and respect. Our ties have already surpassed those of simple companions to become friends.

 

3. **Clear roles and responsibilities**: Each team member has a defined role. This avoids confusion and ensures that the most appropriate person performs each task.

 

4. **Collaboration**: A good team is one in which members collaborate, sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to achieve a common goal.

5. **Flexibility and adaptability**: Effective teams can adapt to changes and challenges that arise during a project. Each time, the challenges are more significant and the demands greater; we have had to be flexible and adapt schedules, needs, etc.

 

6. **Support and motivation**: Team members must support each other and stay motivated to achieve team goals. Celebrating achievements and recognizing work well done can be an effective way to maintain motivation.

 

7. **Constructive feedback**: Constructive feedback is essential for the growth and development of the team. Members must be able to give and receive feedback constructively and use it to improve their performance.

8. **Commitment and dedication**: A good team comprises committed and dedicated people willing to work hard to achieve the team's goals.

 

In summary, good teamwork is based on effective communication, mutual trust and respect, clear roles and responsibilities, collaboration, flexibility and adaptability, support and motivation, problem-solving, effective leadership, constructive feedback, and commitment and dedication. When these elements are present, a team has a greater chance of success.

And that was precisely our way of working. However, we still have many opportunities to improve as a team and individuals.

 

Developing the media project was very challenging and honestly frustrating at the beginning. However, the three of us are bilingual teachers; our native language is not English. It is still a little difficult for us to trust our abilities, so developing projects in which we must expose our skills orally can be a little stressful; in the end, we understood that it was an unfounded fear, and the three of us were able to develop our contribution without significant inconveniences.

 

Lesson learned for future occasions: trust in abilities.