Building Productive Teams: Expectations and Feedback That Work

Define a productive team together

Facilitate a discussion about what makes a productive team using a Think-Ink-Pair-Share. Then have teams create a display on a poster or a vertical non-permanent surface (VNPS) that shows what a productive team looks like, sounds like, and feels like.

Use the displays with a Math Chat or an Exhibit Visit to help students picture a well-functioning team. You could also have the class Co-Craft a set of classroom expectations from the team displays.

Give teams feedback

Feedback on how teams are doing encourages teamwork and builds confidence. A few ideas:

• Write a short note to each team.
• Lead a class conversation about what you and your students are noticing.
• Hand out positive comments to each team as you circulate.
• Facilitate a Team Spotlight.

Set up the room for teamwork

Clear team tables and desks so there are no major barriers between teammates. That opens up discussion and makes room to work together. If students use devices, try one device per pair, placed so teams can easily talk and share ideas.

Remember: Chapter 1 is different

Chapter 1 gives an overview of the course, and proficiency with its topics isn’t expected yet. Have fun with these introductory, team-building lessons. As students find success in class, they’ll have fun, too.

More ideas to try

• Greet students with a Door Question. Asking a quick, open-ended question as students walk in, such as “What’s your favorite snack?”, builds community and lays the groundwork for collaboration. Inspiring Connections and Core Connections, 3rd Edition include Door Questions in every lesson, or you can write your own to fit your students’ interests.
• Go deeper on supporting teams. Explore the Embedded Supports section of the Teacher Materials on the digital platform, or Team Support on the Teacher tab of the eBook.