This is a really fun and informative lesson that I do with my high school Programming/technology class to break up the monotony of beginner programming. However; this lesson can be used and applied in essentially any class and for many purposes, and to address many areas. One of the other really nice things about this lesson is that it can be extended to hit many points including physics, math, and advanced engineering.

Throughout the building period, I would present teams with a challenge (puzzle, build, etc…) and the first team to complete it would get a prize. It could be more modification time, extra materials, etc…)

The materials (including hot glue guns) can be purchased at Wal Mart or a similar store for around $20-25, if ordering through your district isn’t an option. With those purchases, it gives you a lot more materials than needed which can be used for additional similar projects.

This is a really fun and informative lesson that I do with my high school Programming/technology class to break up the monotony of beginner programming. However; this lesson can be used and applied in essentially any class and for many purposes, and to address many areas. One of the other really nice things about this lesson is that it can be extended to hit many points including physics, math, and advanced engineering.

Throughout the building period, I would present teams with a challenge (puzzle, build, etc…) and the first team to complete it would get a prize. It could be more modification time, extra materials, etc…)

The materials (including hot glue guns) can be purchased at Wal Mart or a similar store for around $20-25, if ordering through your district isn’t an option. With those purchases, it gives you a lot more materials than needed which can be used for additional similar projects.

Overview:  This lesson is an exploration of dysfunctional team dynamics, and healthy traits of teams who overcome those negative influences.  Over five standard class periods, students will review dysfunctions of a team, watch 45 minutes of the movie Miracle, review healthy functions of a team, watch the remainder of the movie, answer discussion questions, and write a summative essay. By Patrick Lencioni

This textbook covers content relevant to COMS342 Problem Solving in Teams and Groups at the University of Kansas.

This module assumes that a thorough understanding of people requires a thorough understanding of groups. Each of us is an autonomous individual seeking our own objectives, yet we are also members of groups—groups that constrain us, guide us, and sustain us. Just as each of us influences the group and the people in the group, so, too, do groups change each one of us. Joining groups satisfies our need to belong, gain information and understanding through social comparison, define our sense of self and social identity, and achieve goals that might elude us if we worked alone. Groups are also practically significant, for much of the world’s work is done by groups rather than by individuals. Success sometimes eludes our groups, but when group members learn to work together as a cohesive team their success becomes more certain. People also turn to groups when important decisions must be made, and this choice is justified as long as groups avoid such problems as group polarization and groupthink.

Applies principles of communication in a variety of group contexts. It examines the theory, application, and evaluation of group communication processes, including problem solving, conflict management, decision making, and leadership.

Chapter 1 – Defining Communication and Communication Study
Chapter 2 – Reading Group Development
Chapter 3 - Management of Teams
Chapter 4 - Small Group Communications across Cultures
Chapter 5 – Verbal Communication
Chapter 6 – Nonverbal Communication
Chapter 7 - Leadership and Leadership Theories
Chapter 8 - Problem Solving - Standard Agenda
Chapter 9 – Managing Conflict in Teams
Chapter 10 - Stages of the Listening Process