Forming Groups and Teams

Table 1: Forms to Use in Working with Teams (9th grade)

Forms When Used Objective

-Team/Group Assignment- First Day of Class:
o Students teamed together through various means (birthdays, clothing, eye color, etc.)
-Team Rules/Behavior Contract- First Day of Class:
o Establish team/group behavior contracts and teamwork measures
o Students must abide by the rules and contract throughout school year
-Team Assignments- Middle of First week:
o Use cooperative games to see how each student interacts in groups
-Teacher Assessment- Middle of First week:
o Evaluate each student within the groups so that future group designations include various types of personalities
-Group/Team Member Evaluation (peer ratings) - End of Assignments:
o Have each group member evaluate each others performance at the end of every assignment throughout the year
o Allow for a comment section on what worked and what can improve



This table would be used for a 9th grade class and can be used as a resource when forming teams and groups. Creating a positive learning environment during the first day of class that would last the entire school year is essential. Rules, routines, and expectations need to be clearly defined during the first day of class. A behavior contract would work wonders during this time because students have input in regards to the learning environment. Forming teams should begin by mid week and would be used throughout the school year.

The best way to assess your students in a team/group atmosphere would be through cooperative games. You will know right away which students are “leaders” and what ones are “quiet.” The goal is to make sure every student feels comfortable during team/group activities. It is great once all students take an active leadership role and that's possible through cooperative games. The teacher just needs to be patient. Converting groups into effective teams will happen. It’s important that each student has the opportunity to work with everyone in the class. This is why it’s essential to constantly change teams for each and every activity. Eventually, you will realize the “make-up” of your class and creating effective teams will be easy. The use of peer ratings is also important because the teacher will get feedback from their students. This will allow teachers to assess each student’s participation while in teams/groups. Every teacher must make sure the students know the purpose of teamwork. Life is full of teamwork and people wouldn’t survive if we didn’t work together. The physical education setting is a perfect place to facilitate these ideas and get students ready for life and the workforce (where teamwork is constant).