Leveling Up Teamwork: A Fun Classroom Experiment in ‘Creativity and Communication’
Starting university is like stepping into a whole new world — new faces, new challenges, and for many, a whole lot of nerves. So, what better way to break the ice than with a bit of team-building magic? In our ‘Creativity and Communication’ class at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Journalism & Mass Communication, we decided to shake things up by bringing in team-building specialists (thanks, TEAMS Training). The goal? To turn a group of strangers into a close-knit crew ready to take on anything, inside or outside the classroom.
We all know that collaboration is key in today’s world, and in our field, it’s practically a superpower. But how do you get students who’ve just met to start working together seamlessly? That’s where our experiment came in. We weren’t just looking for students to learn together; we wanted them to truly connect, support each other, and feel like they’re part of something bigger.
The Power of Team Building: Let’s be real — first-year students often feel like they’re navigating a maze, blindfolded. New environment, new expectations, and suddenly they’re expected to work with people they’ve never met. It’s no wonder many of them feel a bit lost. That’s why we think team building is more than just a fun activity; it’s a crucial part of helping students find their footing and feel more confident in this new chapter of their lives.
In our ‘Creativity and Communication’ class, we see team building as a way to set the stage for everything else. Before diving into the heavy academic stuff, we wanted to ensure students were comfortable with each other and felt a sense of belonging. It’s about creating a community where everyone feels like they can contribute, ask questions, and, most importantly, have each other’s backs. After all, isn’t that what university is all about?
The Experiment in Action: So, what did we do? We didn’t just throw some name tags on everyone and call it a day. We brought in experts who know a thing or two about getting people to work together. These team building pros led the students through a series of activities designed to make them think, communicate, and most importantly, laugh. From trust exercises that made them rely on each other to problem-solving tasks that required serious brainpower, the activities had it all.
The energy in the room (as well as outside the room, as the team building took them all over campus — utilizing more than just one educational lever to…well, leverage, this unique setting) was electric. Students who started the day as strangers were soon cheering each other on, cracking jokes, and working together like they’d known each other for years. It was a sight to see! The best part? They weren’t just learning about teamwork; they were living it. And the connections they made didn’t end when the activities did — they carried that spirit into the classroom, making the whole learning experience richer and more collaborative.
What We Hoped Would Happen: We had big hopes for this experiment. Sure, we wanted students to get to know each other, but we were also looking for something deeper. We wanted them to feel like they were part of a team, where every member plays a crucial role. We believed that by breaking down social barriers early on, we’d create a class environment where students were more engaged, more willing to participate, and more open to sharing ideas.
And let’s not forget about confidence. University can be intimidating, especially when you’re surrounded by new faces. We hoped that by helping students connect early on, they’d feel more at ease in group settings, which would translate to better collaboration on projects, more lively discussions, and a stronger sense of community within the classroom. Basically, we wanted to build a foundation that would support them throughout their university journey.
What Actually Happened: The results? Quite impressive! The transformation during the activities was palpable. Students who early on were a bit shy and reserved started speaking up, sharing their thoughts, and working together without hesitation. Group tasks became less of a chore than one might expect and more of an opportunity to collaborate with new found friends. It was clear that the team-building activities had done more than just break the ice — they had turned a collection of individuals into teams.
What really stood out were the stories students shared afterward. Some talked about how the activities helped them overcome their initial shyness, while others mentioned feeling more motivated to contribute in class and group settings because they felt more connected to their peers. The overall vibe of the class shifted from one of uncertainty to one of camaraderie and collaboration. And that’s exactly what we were hoping for.
Take away: This experiment showed us the true power of team building in education. It’s more than just a fun way to pass the time; it’s a vital tool for creating a supportive, engaged, and collaborative learning environment. By investing in these types of activities early on, we’re not just teaching students how to work together — we’re helping them build the confidence and connections they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.
As we look to the future, we’re excited to keep experimenting with new ways to bring our students together. Because if there’s one thing this experience has taught us, it’s that when students feel like they’re part of a team, they’re capable of achieving amazing things.
