Teaching beyond the Topic Teaching Teamwork Skills in Higher Education

Abstract

Employers value teamwork because effective teamwork can create a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace. Organizations have reported that the #1 competency they desire in a candidate is the ability to work well in teams. According to survey data, HE students lack the necessary teamwork skills when they enter the workplace. Since HE students should be prepared to bring excellent teamwork skills into the market place, institutions of HE seek to teach the teamwork competency. Accreditation bodies from many disciplines support the need to teach teamwork in HE. In this paper, I demonstrate a method to teach teamwork skills based on foundational learning theories including mnemonics, experiential learning, primacy/recency, and repetition. Student survey results indicate an overwhelming indication that they comprehend the stages of teamwork based on my process. Indications suggest they will be much better prepared to succeed in their interviews and careers.