Teams, teamwork, and team spirit. What do these words really mean? Are they as important in the classroom as they are in sport?
After a little research I came up with the following definitions:
A team is a group of people working together with a common goal. Forming teams seems obvious in sports like football, but tennis players also work in teams. Their teams may be smaller and consist of only a coach and a manager, but they are teams just the same. In the classroom, we use teams frequently. These teams are usually called groups and are generally very fluid because they change as the learning needs of the students change. Shane and I, like the rest of the staff at IFS, work together as a team – our goal, or vision, is the same.
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common goal. This requires communication and collaboration within the team. The best, most productive way to communicate with your teammates is in a positive manner. When you build your team up and make them feel good, they will stand taller, fight harder, go further, all for the greater good of the team. When you collaborate with your team, you are also working together to do things better.
Team spirit, is not putting other teams down to build your own team up. When I think of team spirit I think of sportsmanship. When you shake the hand of your opponent for a game well played. When you cheer for a kid in a race, regardless of the sporting house they are in. In the classroom, team spirit is demonstrated when we encourage and congratulate the efforts and achievements of all our students.
Teams, teamwork and team spirit are all significant words. I think these three words are as important in sport as they are in a classroom, and even in life. What do you think?
Venus and Serena Williams, sisters and tennis champions, grew up with a life motto that I personally love: Surround yourself with your dream team (people who support your goals). Who is in your Dream Team?
Anyone who is supportive, yet honest, is what is required.