Communication and Collaboration

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Communication and Collaboration Strategy

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Communication and Collaboration Strategy

Learning groups are beneficial for a number of reasons. Students can share life and work experiences. They can provide a support system for working adults that have returned to school. They allow students to exchange ideas on subjects brought forth in the classroom (Learning Team Handbook, 2004). Within learning groups, there can be several different learning styles and personality types. Effective communication is the most important tool a group can possess. This paper will explore strategies for effective communication and collaboration within learning groups.

Personality types. Organizers are described as dependable, well organized, and sensible. Givers are described as pleasing to others, caring, and giving. Adventurers are described as dynamic, creative, and hands on (Carter, Bishop, and Kravits, 2002).

Organizers are the stable members of the group. They pay close attention to deadlines and keeping the group on schedule. They often delegate duties to the other team members. Givers are generally willing to do whatever it takes to please the team. Givers often take on extra parts of the group assignments to help the team. Adventures take risks within the group. They can often see the assignments going in a more non traditional direction. These three personality types can work effectively together and produce successful assignments. Organizers will contribute to the group by keeping the assignments on schedule. An adventurer can envision a more creative project than organizer might, but may have a difficult time staying on schedule. An organizer will also contribute by delegating duties. A giver is willing to take on what is needed to get the assignment done but usually will not “speak up” to delegate duties....