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Teaming
and Communication Assessment
Teaming
The Glenforest ISTF team worked diligently throughout the
duration of the program. We had a coordinator to keep everyone
on track, but did not have a hierarchy system. This ensured
an equal amount of respect and work effort from each team
member. Ever since the team was established, we held regular
meetings to brainstorm for a product, and as soon as the
product was decided amongst the team, we split up to work
on the separate components of the project. We were focused
during the meetings and combined our project as a whole by
means of communication via e-mail.
Communication
Communication within our team was very strong. Although it
was sometimes quite difficult to have everybody present at
meetings as a result of academics and other school activities,
we were able to schedule early get-togethers to collaborate
on our progress.
On the other hand, communication with our technical advisor
has been a very worthwhile process. As the director of a
well-respected solar company, our technical advisor led us
on the right track to what was possible in the future of
solar technology. The ideas that were given to us were sometimes
overwhelming, but overall, it was very beneficial. However,
it would have been a major advantage to have had multiple
technical advisors for our project, so that we could have
the opportunity to gain a greater insight in the field of
solar technology, and also not need to rely too heavily on
any single individual for guidance.
Three Lessons
Learned
The ISTF program
gave us a great opportunity to test our teamwork skills,
to identify and improve on our strengths
and weaknesses, and to unleash our creative side. With teamwork
and hours of dedication, we acknowledged the effectiveness
of group work. The team also learned how to communicate more
effectively and when to take on greater responsibilities.
Throughout the process, we discovered our own strengths and
weaknesses with regards to time management, thinking and
understanding, as well as our creative talents. We learned
to overcome our limitations as a group by sharing our forte
with others – emphasizing once again just how important
teamwork was. The unique idea of SolaRail was conceived thanks
to our creativity, because we learned to encourage these
visions of originality during the brainstorming sessions – creative
minds are the minds that challenge the status quo, dream
of exciting ideas and make new developments possible. The
SolaRail project not only let us experience the thrills of
working together, but it provided us with the fundamental
knowledge of solar energy, and ultimately, a chance to explore
the brilliant scientific knowledge that propels today’s
society.
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