Task 3-6 Reflection

1. Why is it important to use teams in PBL?

       It is very important to use teams in PBL (Problem Based Learning) because the steps to this type of learning may require more than individual thinking and concluding.  It may require collaboration with a group to work through all the critical tasks and questions that would have to be researched and answered on.  Problem Based Learning seems to be leaning towards project based assignments where the work load might be too much for only one person to complete, therefore working in groups would make the process more simple and less complex.  This type of learning may geared up towards hands-on activities that would require group collaboration in order to work experiments and gain results. 

2. What are some of the problems you see in student teams?

          Some problems I see in student teams are schedule time contradictory.  Not every person in the group would have the same time available to meet with other people in the group.  Another problem would be lack of commitment where it may seem that only one person is doing all of the work and a few others only contribute seldomnly, therefore not giving enough time to complete assignments. A third problem could be conflict of getting along or working harmoniously.  Arguements could arise between members retaining anything from not contributing enough to the team to what personal beliefs one person may have different from another person. 

  3. What strategies can you use to manage conflict in student teams?

          Some strategies that can be used to manage conflict in student teams is to first set up a meeting as a group via Skype, chatting, or in person, to state any concerns or issues that needs to be addressed all at once.  The group could talk things out through this meeting and eventually come to a terms of agreement.  Each person must be accommodating each others' beliefs in the group.  A second approach would be for that one person who has an issue to state it to the professor or teacher and ask for advice.  Maybe an email conversation or a face-to-face meeting could occur between the two people who have the issue, along with the professor/ teacher as a witness. 

4. Did the group have any questions or problems this week?

       This week "The Greenfoots" worked everything out.  There was rarely any questions or problems.  We cooperated really well because we communicated by texting and emailing.  I personally answered whatever concerns my group mates had and contributed by posting my opinion to the weeks' forum.  I think pretty much everyone in the group knew what they were accounted or responsible for.