Can voicing conflict within experiential learning groups facilitate connection? building and developing effective multi-disciplinary team-working skills

It is remarkable how often academic staff discover students' weaknesses in expressing their thoughts in written and oral contexts, and in team working. To examine these weaknesses, a study was conducted in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 of students taking an engineering course. Students self-reported an initial high level of weakness in both communication skills (writing and speaking), while expressing higher levels of confidence in their team working skills. This suggested that there was significant potential for improvement in both forms of communication skills and a lower potential for the improvement of team-working skills. On that basis the Technical University of Crete organized short training workshops based on experiential learning methods, during the academic year 2012–13. Other factors taken into account were the lack of awareness of such skills in traditionally-organized Greek universities; the inability to redesign all courses, currently dependent on a content-based curriculum, on a competency basis; and findings in the international literature, which highlight specific generic skills of engineering students as essential to their studies and future career prospects. The aim was to enhance the three skills of writing, speaking and team working. Participation was voluntary and open to students from all schools in the university. This paper assesses this initiative and analyses the contribution of the workshops to skills development.

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Change Processes: Multi-Disciplinary Teamwork

Anti-Microbial Resistance in Global Perspective ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-62662-4_7 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 129-143

Author(s):

Louise Ackers ◽

Gavin Ackers-Johnson ◽

Joanne Welsh ◽

Daniel Kibombo ◽

Samuel Opio

Keyword(s):

Behaviour Change ◽

Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽

Clinical Pharmacy ◽

Change Processes ◽

Professional Boundaries ◽

Team Working ◽

Poor Patient ◽

Inappropriate Antibiotics ◽

Multi Disciplinary Team

AbstractThis chapter examines the importance of multi-disciplinary team-working to the management of antimicrobial stewardship and behaviour change processes. MDT has played a major role in improving communication and reducing professional boundaries that had previously contributed to high levels of infection; extended use of, often inappropriate antibiotics and poor patient outcomes. The functioning of such teams facilitates the role of clinical pharmacy.

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Evolution of Experiential Learning Groups

Developing Social Skills in Managers ◽

10.1007/978-1-349-02853-5_2 ◽

1976 ◽

pp. 13-19

Author(s):

Gurth Higgin

Keyword(s):

Experiential Learning ◽

Learning Groups

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Adverse and Growthful Effects of Experiential Learning Groups: The Role of the Trainer, Participant, and Group Characteristics

Human Relations ◽

10.1177/001872677703001204 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 30 (12) ◽

pp. 1103-1129 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Cary L. Cooper

Keyword(s):

Experiential Learning ◽

Learning Groups ◽

Group Characteristics

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Experiential Learning Groups

Small Group Behavior ◽

10.1177/104649648201300106 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 75-90 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

K.F. Waldie

Keyword(s):

Experiential Learning ◽

Learning Groups

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Developing entrepreneurial and employability attributes through marketing projects with SMEs

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship ◽

10.1108/jrme-07-2016-0024 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 77-90 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Simon O’Leary

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Experiential Learning ◽

Medium Size ◽

Content Type ◽

Team Working ◽

Starting Point ◽

Client Relationship ◽

Definition Of ◽

The Impact

Purpose This research aims to assess how marketing-related projects with small- and medium-size enterprises act as a form of experiential learning and help develop entrepreneurial and employability attributes for students in higher education (HE). Design/methodology/approach The research is based on published material and an evaluation, within HE, of consultancy projects as a final assessment option alongside the well-established dissertation. Findings External initiatives that embrace experiential learning have helped students develop a better appreciation of client needs, while enhancing their confidence and team-working skills. The institutional degree programme studied is in its seventh year and more than half of students have chosen the project option so far. One key finding is the pivotal role of the academic supervisor and a need for that person to have suitable industry and sector knowledge, as well as effective and empathetic client relationship management abilities. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to one programme at one university but, as it encompasses a very broad definition of marketing-related activities, covers several years and is part of a longer-term longitudinal study, it constitutes research from which some conclusions can be drawn. Practical implications In addition to enhancing the students’ entrepreneurial and employability attributes, outward-facing activities help enrich the overall student experience and also offer HE institutions an opportunity to raise their profile with external organisations. Social implications With graduate employability rising in importance, initiatives such as these can help develop important graduate attributes and capabilities. Originality/value The principal originality and value is that this is a starting point for a potential longitudinal study of the impact of experiential learning and client-orientated projects on graduate career development.

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