Exploring learning how to learn in a team-based engineering education

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Ifenthaler ◽  
Zahed Siddique ◽  
Farrokh Mistree
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Shared Knowledge ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Representations ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Learning Team

Purpose – In this paper, the authors aim to explore how students learn how to learn in a team-based graduate course Designing for Open Innovation using a theoretical framework that focuses on the cognitive functions of team-based processes and team performance. Design/methodology/approach – An automated assessment methodology for the structural and semantic analysis of individual and shared knowledge representations serves as a foundation for the approach. A case study is presented that explores the development of individual mental models and shared mental models over the course. Findings – An assessment of the mental models indicates that in this course three types of learning took place, namely individual learning, team-based learning, and learning from each other. Originality/value – The automatically generated graphical representations provide insight into the complex processes of the learning-dependent development of individual mental models and shared mental models.

scholarly journals Shared mental models and perceived proximity: a comparative case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Efpraxia D. Zamani ◽  
Nancy Pouloudi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grounded Theory Method

PurposeThe aim of this study is to understand how virtual teams experience perceived proximity. Existing literature suggests that perceived proximity can be achieved through quality communication and increased identification. However, not much is known as to how these two may be achieved within the context of virtual teams.Design/methodology/approachThe authors address their research question through a comparative case study, with the help of two virtual teams of software developers and the authors adopt a subset from the Constructivist Grounded Theory Method procedures for the purposes of coding to understand the potential explanations regarding the two teams' differences in perceptions of perceived proximity.FindingsThe authors’ study shows that shared mental models support quality communication and team members to identify with the shared values of their team. Quality communication is easier achieved when the team shares a dynamic and evolving understanding of the tools for communication and collaboration. The authors also draw attention to the importance of how work is organised and the influence of the temporal dimension on virtual teams beyond the temporal organisation of collaborative work.Originality/valueThe value of this study is found in its contribution towards the development of a formal connection between perceived proximity and shared mental models, that is empirically grounded, and which holds an explanatory value in addressing how perceived proximity can be supported rather than compromised.

Environmental service-learning approach in higher education – a descriptive case study on student-led life cycle assessments of university cafeteria meals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Johannisson ◽  
Michael Hiete
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Case Study

Purpose This study aims to share experiences of an easy to adapt service-learning approach in a graduate course on life cycle assessment (LCA). Specifically, it reports on how students helped the university’s cafeteria to assess meals by conducting an LCA for 25 meals and identifying environmental hotspots. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive case study of a graduate course at Ulm University is presented. The course included lectures and problem-based exercises, both theoretical and software assisted. A course evaluation was conducted during the course and one year after completion to poll improvement potentials, as well as its impacts on students’ everyday life. Findings It was found that although it was the first LCA for all students, the resulting LCA information of 25 different meals were homogeneous, comparable to the scientific literature and beneficial to the cafeteria’s sustainable development strategy. The concept of service-learning had a higher impact on students’ motivation than a good grade and active-learning is explicitly requested by students. The course design sensitized students to the real-life problems of LCA and made their consumption patterns more elaborate and ecological. Furthermore, this digitization of higher education could be carried out with only minor changes in the present COVID-19 pandemic situation. Originality/value As the subject of service-learning in natural sciences is still expandable, this study presents an easy to adapt case study on how to integrate such an approach into university curricula dominated by traditional learning. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this case study presents the first published LCA university course explicitly describing and evaluating a service-learning approach. The topic touches the everyday lives of students, allows comparisons between different student groups, is easily scalable to different group sizes and credits, and supports learning both how to study in small groups and cooperation between groups to ensure comparability of LCA results.

Developing Shared Mental Models in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

2008 ◽  
pp. 278-299
Author(s):  
Marissa L. Shuffler ◽  
Gerald F. Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Mental Models ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Shared Knowledge ◽  
Shared Understanding ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Computer Based

In order to adapt to changing learning environments, instructors must be aware of the challenges that virtuality brings to establishing a shared understanding among online learners. Although developing shared mental models is typically a natural part of learning, it requires significant social and task-related interaction among students, which can be difficult in computer based environments in which social presence is lacking. This chapter will briefly discuss research related to the development of shared understanding and explore what instructors can do to address challenges and facilitate the development of shared knowledge in computer supported collaborative learning environments.

A business process modeling‐based approach to investigate complex processes

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faisal A. Abu Rub ◽  
Ayman A. Issa
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Process Modeling ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Business Process Modeling ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Model Complex

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new approach to investigate complex processes, such as software development processes, using business process modeling.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an investigation into the use of role activity diagramming (RAD) to model complex processes in the software industry sector, with reference to the process of TestWarehouse as a case study.FindingsSystematic extension and quantitative analysis to RAD models led to the discovery of process bottlenecks, identification of cross functional boundary problems, and focused discussion about automation of processes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work is required to validate and evaluate the proposed approach using several cases with different application domains and thus generalize the adopted approach.Practical implicationsA new approach has been used successfully to understand and analyze business processes. The tools and techniques that are used to perform the approach are not complicated and do not need much specialist expertise, so the approach is not only oriented toward specialists but also toward organizations' managers and staff.Originality/valueNew techniques have been developed by using process modelling to deepen the understanding and analyzing of complex organizational processes. This research implements a practical investigation which uses a case study to validate the new techniques.

From reminiscence to robustness: an interview with prof Deborah Blackman on the ways organizations “learn”

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilash Acharya ◽  
Bijaya Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evolutionary Path ◽  
Organizational Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interactive Session ◽  
Evidence Based Decision Making

Purpose This paper aims to understand in-depth the concepts applied to the domains of organizational learning (OL) and learning organization, based on the notional perspectives of Professor Deborah Blackman and traces the evolutionary path of her academic journey and contributions in this regard. Design/methodology/approach A conversation with the distinguished academician, Professor Deborah Blackman. Findings How OL has pivoted around “shared mental models” that will enable in collective evidence-based decision-making across the organizational hierarchy. Originality/value The interactive session with Professor Deborah Blackman captured her ideas and critique pertaining to the theme of OL and the crucial aspect of “shared mental models” which promote “learning” in an organization. Delving deeper, it is seen that this trajectory offers the space and orientation to researchers and professionals to verify.

Knowledge integration, teamwork and performance in health care

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjam Körner ◽  
Corinna Lippenberger ◽  
Sonja Becker ◽  
Lars Reichler ◽  
Christian Müller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Models ◽  
Team Performance ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Knowledge Integration ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose – Knowledge integration is the process of building shared mental models. The integration of the diverse knowledge of the health professions in shared mental models is a precondition for effective teamwork and team performance. As it is known that different groups of health care professionals often tend to work in isolation, the authors compared the perceptions of knowledge integration. It can be expected that based on this isolation, knowledge integration is assessed differently. The purpose of this paper is to test these differences in the perception of knowledge integration between the professional groups and to identify to what extent knowledge integration predicts perceptions of teamwork and team performance and to determine if teamwork has a mediating effect. Design/methodology/approach – The study is a multi-center cross-sectional study with a descriptive-explorative design. Data were collected by means of a staff questionnaire for all health care professionals working in the rehabilitation clinics. Findings – The results showed that there are significant differences in knowledge integration within interprofessional health care teams. Furthermore, it could be shown that knowledge integration is significantly related to patient-centered teamwork as well as to team performance. Mediation analysis revealed partial mediation of the effect of knowledge integration on team performance through teamwork. Practical/implications – In practice, the results of the study provide a valuable starting point for team development interventions. Originality/value – This is the first study that explored knowledge integration in medical rehabilitation teams and its relation to patient-centered teamwork and team performance.

America's Cup 2007: sailing, glitter and power

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Lassalle
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Triangular Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Special Events ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
America’S Cup ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a tool with which to understand the power existing in relations between sports organisations. This research proposes a tool will draw from the work of Machiavel (1513/2000), Galbraith (1985) and Baechler (1978). This tool is composed by three dimensions which guarantee the possessor an absolute power, so avoiding the threat of overthrow by discontented individuals. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the America's Cup 2007, held in Valencia, Spain, will seek to shed light on the theoretical conceptions of various authors. The America's Cup is one of the world's oldest competitive sporting events. A semantic analysis of the resulting data via Alceste and Wordmapper software, will highlight the particular power present in relations. Findings – The importance of this research, in addition to finding a type of power in a precise case, is essentially to verify the functioning of the model of three dimensions, given its triangular form. Practical implications – Organisations could acquire a better understanding of power present in their relations that they maintain and hence adapt their behaviour according to the strategy they seek to employ. International sporting events constitute a field where stakes are high, and each entity must work hard to put in place a set of strategies to ensure profit. Originality/value – Sport as an area of research, sport is justified by recent developments in the world of sporting special events management, where weighty power struggles have considerably increased.

Peer Leadership and Shared Mental Models in a College Volleyball Team: A Season Long Case Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edson Filho ◽  
Lael Gershgoren ◽  
Itay Basevitch ◽  
Robert Schinke ◽  
Gershon Tenenbaum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Models ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Initial Attempt ◽  
Sport Teams

The present study was an initial attempt to capture and describe instances of shared mental models within a team from the point of view of the team captain. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe a range of perceived and shared behaviors aimed at facilitating the overall performance of a college volleyball team from the perspective of the team captain. This behavioral focus is congruent with the need for documenting observable task and team-related coordination mechanisms. Symbolic interactionism, via the use of systematic observations, documental analysis, and semistructured open-ended interviews, was used to gather data from the participant in the form of a case study. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) theoretical thematic analysis based on categories derived from Eccles and Tenenbaum’s (2004) Conceptual Framework of Coordination in Sport Teams. Results indicated that the player’s actions were perceived as enhancing proactive information sharing within her team. Therefore, it is suggested that team leaders possess important objective and symbolic roles in the promotion of shared mental models. These results are further discussed in relation to current knowledge of shared mental models in sports. Limitations and directions for future research are outlined.

Knowledge transfer in knowledge-intensive organizations: the crucial role of improvisation in transferring and protecting knowledge

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1045-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ksenia O. Krylova ◽  
Dusya Vera ◽  
Mary Crossan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Mental Models ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Shared Mental Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Protection ◽  
Knowledge Intensive Organizations ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Transfer Mechanisms

Purpose This paper aims to answer the question: how do knowledge workers’ improvisation processes promote both knowledge transfer and protection in knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs)? A model is proposed identifying how effective improvisation can strengthen the effect of four specific knowledge transfer mechanisms – an experimental culture, minimal structures, the practice of storytelling and shared mental models – on knowledge transfer inside the organization and knowledge protection outside of it. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds on a knowledge translation perspective to position improvisation as intrinsically intertwined with knowledge transfer and knowledge protection. Findings Improvisation is proposed as the moderating factor enhancing the positive impact of an experimental culture, minimal structures, storytelling practice and shared mental models on knowledge transfer and knowledge protection. Practical implications The paper argues against a “plug-and-play” approach to knowledge transfer that seeks to replicate knowledge without considering how people relate to the routines and the context and highlights to leaders of KIOs the importance of developing awareness, understanding and motivation to improvise to internalize new knowledge being transferred and to create imitation barriers. Originality/value The paper proposes that KIOs’ success in transferring and protecting knowledge emerges not directly from formal knowledge transfer mechanisms but from knowledge workers’ improvisation processes.

Scientific excellency model in Iran’s higher education case study: Guilan university of medical sciences

foresight ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-436
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hoseini Moghadam ◽  
Abtin Heidarzadeh ◽  
Hassan Bashiri ◽  
Hossein Khoshrang ◽  
Ideh Dadgaran
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Experiences ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how scientific excellency can be achieved. The origin of scientific excellency in Iran, national and international experiences concerning the subject has been investigated to review the literature. The authors also designed a process and then a model to test the course. Guilan University of Medical Sciences was selected as a case study for the research. Design/methodology/approach The approach used in this paper is from Future Studies, with emphasis on the “Participatory Learning and Action” method. It means that different stakeholders, including the strategic council members, managers, faculty members, students, alumni and non-academic staff, have been involved in different parts of the process. Findings After semantic analysis of scientific excellency in the theoretical field; the examination of national and international experiences in universities; the analysis of higher-level documents of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education as well as strategic documents of the university; the determination of the strengths and weaknesses of the Guilan University of Medical Sciences in online survey; the completion of the scientific excellency canvas in the expert panel and finally obtaining other stakeholders, a conceptual model was designed for achieving scientific excellency. Practical implications The study of the actions, policies and trends of pioneering universities indicates that it is important to consider issues such as the internationalization of education and research and the modification of university structures. To achieve a superior national and international status, the university must specifically enhance a range of different aspects, from intangible aspects, such as motivation of employees to tangible aspects, such as human resources, structure and facilities. Originality/value Scientific excellency is going to be one of main streams between universities to attract top students and researchers from all over the world. There has been little academic attempt on scientific excellency. In this research, first the authors examined the concept of scientific excellency, criteria and measurement in higher education, then based on that case study and participatory action learning method, a conceptual framework to achieve scientific excellency in Iran’s higher education system was proposed.

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