102522071 林宥均 CBLE

I am interesting about grouping. So in Week-15 class, the second paper "The effect of computer-assisted cooperative learning methods and group size on the EFL learners’achievement in communication skills." teacher had present. I have some thoughts about this paper, so i found another paper "Smaller teams–better teamwork: How to keep project teams small." which is talking about team size, too.

Some importation part about this paper:

l   How team size affects teamwork?

If the team size more large, the communication cost will more large, too.

1. Full communication structures in a team of 4 (6 links) versus a team of 10 (45 links).

2. Resource and time consuming.

3. Exponential increase.

Communication

C(n,2)

n=4, (4*3)/(2*1)=6

n=10,(10*9)/(2*1)=45

l   Social loafing phenomenon

As team size increases, it becomes more difficult for team members to contribute their knowledge, skills, and experience to their full potential.

l   Optimal’ team size?

1. Research evidence does not provide an absolute optimal team size in terms of a specific number, nor is there any conclusive indication of an absolute optimal range. As scholars have pointed out, the right team size will certainly depend on the work to be performed (Hackman, 1987),

2. There is no ‘Optimal’ team size!

Thoughts:

I prefer the paper “Smaller teams–better teamwork: How to keep project teams small” conclusion.

There is no ‘Optimal’ team size! Because right team size will certainly depend on the work to be performed.

Ref:

Hoegl, M. (2005). Smaller teams–better teamwork: How to keep project teams small. Business Horizons, 48(3), 209-214.

AbuSeileek, A. F. (2012). The effect of computer-assisted cooperative learning methods and group size on the EFL learners’ achievement in communication skills. Computers & Education, 58(1), 231-239.