An Overview of Teamwork in Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of teamwork within higher education, highlighting its challenges, theoretical foundations, and practical implications. It elucidates the multifaceted nature of teamwork, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering collaboration, communication, and critical thinking among students. The chapter also examines the crucial distinction between soft and hard skills and their relevance within teamwork, illustrating how each skill set contributes uniquely to the learning experience. The chapter highlights the diverse ways teamwork should be integrated into curricula across disciplines by exploring various pedagogical approaches, such as project-based learning and group assignments. Moreover, the chapter underscores the importance of teamwork as a pedagogical tool and provides valuable insights into its successful application. Drawing on case studies, exercises, and illustrative examples, the chapter provides the recipe for functioning successfully in team-based environments.