Maastricht University (UM) education focuses on small-group, student-centred learning. Much of this learning occurs during Problem-Based Learning (PBL) tutorial groups or project-based learning, where good collaboration is essential. Because of this, group dynamics play a vital role in the learning process. Group work can be a valuable experience for students, helping them to gain new skills and learn from each other. For teaching staff, however, it can sometimes be challenging to keep track of what is happening and facilitate the process in the best way to get the most out of the group. This is even more true when group work is conducted partially online or remotely by the supervisor.

We will be working on questions like:

• “How can I ensure that the group members quickly connect?”
• “How can I work on trust within a group so that more openness and involvement arise?”
• “And what do I do if the group is not functioning well?”
• “Which interventions do I apply?”

You’ll learn how to get new groups off to the best start. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your teaching experiences and apply the new models from this training session directly to your situation. We do this by using Experiential Learning and Lencioni in the first session, which lasts two hours. Between the first and the second session, you will get to work with what you have learned. During the second session, which also lasts two hours, we will reflect on the experience the participants gained in the meantime. There is also room to ask questions. This is an introductory series relevant to those working with small teams working on group projects.

Learning outcomes:

• By the end of this two-part series, you will be able to:
• Build a better level of connection and trust in the group;
• Connect better to your students, offline or online;
• Stimulate open discussions between your students;
• Increase and retain student motivation;
• Identify (potential) problems;
• Know when to intervene;
• Use models for intervening when necessary successfully.

About the trainer
Team Focus is known for its expertise in group dynamics and experiential learning approach, which makes every session very insightful, and meaningful but also a lot of fun. Team-Focus is mainly focused on creating awareness of attitudes and behaviour. They specialise in the guidance of teams, organisations and individuals and have a different approach than standard companies. Not only talking about how things can be done differently but also experiencing it first-hand. Not only awareness and insights but also taking action. 

Jean-Paul Stijnen is the owner of Team-Focus and one of their trainers. 

Duration
This CPD series will take approximately 5 hours of your time (2 x 2 hours of contact time, plus an hour of pre- and midway assignments). Please note that the assignments are a compulsory part of this CPD series. Both sessions will take place at EDLAB.

1st part: 14 February 2023, 10:00-12:00
2nd part: 7 March 2023, 10:00-12:00

Contact the organiser
EDLAB Educational Services

Costs
EDLAB is happy to offer this course to you free of charge. Please note, however, that we have paid to develop and deliver this session together with the trainers, so if you sign up but cannot attend, we would greatly appreciate it if you could give us at least 4 days’ notice so that we can advertise your spot to others who may be interested. Failing to turn up or cancelling at the last minute may result in your department being charged the cost price (please get in touch with us for more details should you need to cancel).

EDLAB reserves the right to postpone this event should a minimum of 6 participants not be reached.