Improving College Project Team Results

Abstract

Teamwork is essential in all organizations. Yet many college students have negative experiences in this activity. This study examines145 first-year college students solving a term-long project by working in teams during their very first college course.  It covers five student cohorts over a ten-year period with the objective to assess if these students could learn the importance of working as a team, observe positive team learning outcomes and successfully contribute to a major term-long final project. Results focus on the importance of a unique selection process of team members and how approach can improve teamwork results.  Successful teamwork serves as a valuable base for future professional workplace skills.