How to Lead a Classroom Group Effectively

Collaborating in a team can be challenging due to varying personalities, potential miscommunications, and undefined roles, all of which can hinder the group’s effectiveness. This course was designed to equip participants with skills that not only enhance team efficiency but also foster a positive work environment. Through this course, participants gained valuable insights on how to improve as both team leaders and members, whether in a classroom setting or among colleagues.

This latest edition of the course “Effective Group Management in education: building Teamwork among students” took place in Palermo from 25/08/ 2024 to 31/08/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Viera Kipikašová, from Saint Nicholas Catholic School in Slovakia; with Ole Deuter from Niedersächsisches Internatsgymnasium Esens in Germany; and finally with Katarzyna Kołomycka, Magdalena Skutnik and Agnieszka Chrzanowska from Szkoła Podstawowa nr11 z Oddziałami Integracyjnymi im.Kornela Makuszyńskiego w Białymstoku in Poland.

In the course, we explored various elements of group work and team leadership. We began by distinguishing between a group and a team, emphasizing that not all groups qualify as teams. A key takeaway for participants was understanding that a team is driven by a shared goal, which should always be the leader’s main focus. Additionally, participants learned about the different stages a team experiences and the characteristics of each stage.

​The second key focus for the group was the significance of clearly defined team roles. Through various group activities, participants experienced how challenging collaboration becomes when roles and tasks are unclear. This lack of clarity can lead to confusion, tension, and miscommunication, but most critically, it wastes valuable time as team members are left uncertain about their responsibilities and what is expected of them. Another focus of the day was how to enhance collaboration among students, the group also explored methods that can help students expertise and learn with and from their classmates. Peer learning strategies empower students to take an active role in their education, moving the focus from grades to the learning process.

On the third day of the course, the focus shifted to effective team leadership. Participants learned that a good leader must be adaptable, understanding not only the individual strengths and weaknesses of their coworkers but also the overall group dynamics. They discovered that there isn’t just one approach to being a good leader; various leadership styles exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and each suited to different teams and situations. ​

Additionally, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of coaching and the importance of adopting a growth mindset, both in attitude and communication, to maintain motivation and a positive atmosphere within the team. Furthermore, they explored the importance of  Emotional Intelligence and how to approach conflicts inside and outside the classroom. The final group management skill we addressed was how to foster giving and receiving feedback in the classroom. 

Overall, it was an excellent week filled with learning, knowledge-sharing, and best practices, all while having fun during the cultural activities! ​

​More info on this course here.