Training for Self-Managed Student Teams

Abstract

A self-managed team is one that is empowered to determine structure, processes, assessments and corrections as it performs assigned tasks. The autonomy of these teams is needed in flat organizational structures or environments with limited hierarchy. Little research has focused on the antecedents of self-management in teams, especially in engineering and engineering education. This work links self-managed, autonomous team behavior and double-loop learning as described by Argyris in conjunction with Hackman's model of effective teamwork. Traditional methods of team training are contrasted with a double-loop training approach. A differentiated training program was used among freshman engineering design teams in a required, introductory course to determine whether a particular type of team training increased students' ability to be self-managing. Self-management characteristics were observed in this engineering environment. The suitability of a double-loop training approach within undergraduate engineering education is discussed.

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Second Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Double-Loop Learning; Engineering Education; Mutual Learning Model; Self-Managing Work Teams

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 Tempus Publications, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2008

Link to Full Text

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