“Becoming an Effective Group Leader: Key Strategies for Success”

Working within a team can present various challenges, including diverse personalities, miscommunication, and a lack of clearly defined roles—all of which can hinder the group’s overall efficiency. For this reason, the objective of this course was to develop essential skills that not only enhance team productivity but also foster a positive and collaborative working environment. By participating in this training, attendees gained valuable insights into becoming stronger team leaders and team members, whether in an educational setting or a professional workplace.

The latest edition of the course "Effective Group Management in Education: Building Teamwork Among Students" took place in Tenerife from 16/03/2025 to 29/03/2025. The program welcomed participants from Poland, including Dominika Pelka-Magda, Regina Biernacka, Urszula Erfurt, Beata Hetmańczyk, Barbara Holy, Aleksandra Moch, Cecylia Nowak, Teresa Ochojska, Bogusława Sukiennik, and Jerzy Ścierski, all representing Tarnogórskie Stowarzyszenie Uniwersytet Trzeciego Wieku.
​
Throughout the course, participants explored various aspects of teamwork and leadership. The first area of focus was understanding the distinction between a group and a team. While all teams are groups, not all groups function as teams. A key characteristic of a successful team is a shared objective, and a strong team leader must always prioritize this common goal. Participants also examined the different developmental stages teams go through, learning to identify each phase and apply effective strategies to navigate tensions and challenges.

The second major topic covered the importance of defining team roles. Through interactive activities, participants experienced firsthand the difficulties that arise when responsibilities and expectations are unclear. Poorly defined roles often lead to confusion, frustration, miscommunication, and, most importantly, a loss of valuable time. Understanding how to assign clear roles and tasks within a team was a crucial takeaway from this session.

The third day of the course centered on leadership skills. An effective leader must be adaptable, fully aware of both individual strengths and weaknesses, and capable of managing group dynamics. Participants explored various leadership styles, each with its advantages and challenges, and discussed how to apply them according to team needs and specific situations. Additionally, they were introduced to the fundamentals of coaching and the significance of adopting a growth mindset to maintain team motivation and a positive atmosphere.

Another key focus of the course was encouraging peer feedback and peer assessment in the classroom. Peer learning strategies empower students to take an active role in their education, shifting the focus from grades to the learning process itself. Participants engaged in hands-on activities to experience these methods from a student’s perspective, gaining practical tools to implement in their own teaching environments.
​
Overall, the week was filled with valuable learning experiences, knowledge exchange, and practical applications—all while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Participants left with a comprehensive set of tools and strategies that they can confidently integrate into their classrooms and workplaces.

​More info on this course here.