Well-functioning teams and learning groups are essential for fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Whether focused on achieving a specific task or building relationships and sharing experiences, the dynamics of these groups shape their outcomes. Teams are typically goal-driven, coming together to complete defined objectives, while communities of practice (CoPs) and learning groups emphasise relationship-building and shared learning over time.
This page explores resources for building and managing effective teams, cultivating communities of practice, and fostering collaborative learning groups. Each section provides tools, techniques, and insights to support practitioners in creating environments where people can work together effectively and sustainably.
Team building
Managing virtual teams and meetings
This recent LfS page offers guidance on managing virtual and distributed teams, a growing trend accelerated by remote work practices. It includes annotated links to resources on facilitating effective virtual meetings and building cohesive remote teams.
Ensuring effective teams
This LfS post by Will Allen outlines a three phase approach to setting up effective teams. It highlights key aspects underpinning each phase and provides practical tips for fostering teamwork.
A checklist for evaluating team performance
Designed by Margaret Kilvington and Will Allen, this simple tool helps teams evaluate their progress and identify areas for improvement. It’s particularly useful for facilitators and team leaders.
Learning groups
Creating effective collaborative learning groups in an online environment
This 2009 paper by Jane Brindley, Christine Walti and Lisa Blaschke highlights strategies for fostering collaboration in online learning groups. It focuses on instructional techniques that enhance community, skill development, and learning outcomes.
Five Elements that Promote Learner Collaboration and Group Work in Online Courses
Debbie Morrison’s 2014 article outlines universal principles for facilitating collaboration in online learning environments. It addresses common barriers and provides strategies for engaging students in group projects.
The related LfS page – Building networks for learning – provides two sets of links to resources – around how to build and map networks; and institutional approaches for working across groups and organisations, including partnerships and boundary organisations. Another page, Managing virtual teams and meetings, provides annotated links to posts that provide guidance on managing virtual and distributed teams (particularly relevant in the light of the move towards staff working from home due to the coronavirus)..
[* Photo: Flickr – jksphotos]