Positions and Teams

The Structure of Groups/Teams: 
“I have never played on a team. I am not sure I know how.”

 Teams are not just present in sports. We all work in groups as team members every day, in classes, in clubs, and most importantly—in families. When you are born, you are the “rookie” player in your family. When you are recruited (born), the other team members are all wondering what kind of player you will be and watch intently as you grow and develop. Each family member has a role on your team.

Dad and Mom might be the team managers who take care of making sure you stay on schedule, do your homework, get to bed on time, etc. Or, they might be the coaches who provide love, encouragement, guidance, and a sense of fair play. They may even assume the role of the team owner, providing all the necessary equipment (home, food, uniforms, etc). You and your siblings are usually the players, but just like ball players, you may take on leadership roles at times and provide support to each other or even to your parents when they need your help.

The point is that you already know how to play on a team, whether you know anything about sports or not. The goal in this WebQuest is to encourage you to bring what you already know about teams and group work to the project. Then, improve your collaboration skills by assuming a role on your team and doing your best to fulfill the responsibilities of that role. The more experience you gain from group work, the more successful player you will become at home, at school and in your community.

How do I become a good team player and help my team achieve success?

  • Cooperate to achieve the goals of the entire group, rather than your individual goals. Teamwork is what wins the game!
     

  • Be sensitive and respect the feelings of all team members; everyone has something worthwhile to contribute. Remember, sometimes the best pitchers can’t run very fast at all!
     
  • Accept and fulfill your role on the team; have your work done by the established deadlines without being reminded. You can’t win the game if you don’t show up!
     
  • Contribute your knowledge, skills, and opinions. Put your “game face” on and give it your all!
     
  • Value your team members’ knowledge, skills, and opinions; learn to listen and accept someone else’s idea. Don’t think you have to catch every fly ball!
     
  • Don’t be afraid to help the team identify and make changes when necessary. Don’t be a bench-warmer!

How can I learn from my team experience?

  • Do a “post-game” analysis, listing the things your team did well and the things you might have done better as a team.
     
  • Write thank-you notes to your team members after the project is complete. For fun, make them the shape of a baseball, a bat, or a pennant.

Baseball WebQuest Group Roles:

Manager
This person takes responsibility for organizing the team, determines how long each task should take and what action each task requires. S/he makes sure things are done on time.

Umpire
This person makes sure the players follow the rules and ensures that everyone gets a chance at bat. This person should actively encourage quiet or shy players. S/he should also seek to equalize participation among team members so that dominant players do not control the game. It is important to remember that not all members will have something to contribute all the time, but everyone must feel that they are part of the game.

Coach
This is your teacher. Her/his job is to make the play book (rubric) and make sure that everyone is assigned to a team. He/She will also grade the plays and mark the scores on the scoreboard.

Scorekeeper
This person keeps track of what the group is discussing. This might be done on a large easel pad so that the group can readily monitor their progress. The Scorekeeper provides this information to the Sportscaster to be reported to the teacher for credit.

Bat Boy/Girl
This person gets needed materials and resources for the team.

Sportscaster/Announcer
This person reports the team’s findings, completed tasks and/or answers, problems, etc. to the teacher.

When you feel you understand what ALL of the positions are, take the ONLINE QUIZ.
 

 Information from the Coach: