GIFTS-Team Safety Brief: A tool to promote and enhance teamwork

Mirna Mattjik; Carter Moulton

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Conference: 15th Annual First-Year Engineering Experience Conference (FYEE)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Publication Date: July 28, 2024
Start Date: July 28, 2024
End Date: July 30, 2024
Tagged Topic: Diversity
Page Count: 3
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--48611
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/48611
Download Count: 27

Paper Authors

biography

Mirna Mattjik Colorado School of Mines

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Mirna Mattjik, a Teaching Associate Professor in the Engineering, Design, and Society Department, excels in teaching design engineering. She is also affiliated with the University Scholars and Honors Program and the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Department. Her educational background spans industrial technology, international political economy, and project management. Pursuing her doctorate, her research centers on educational equity in higher education.

As a Teaching Faculty member, Mirna Mattjik is committed to enhancing student learning through high-impact practices and promoting broader participation in engineering. She strives to create inclusive learning environments that foster a sense of belonging for all students at Mines. Currently, she is an active participant in the stEm PEER Academy - Engineering Plus, cohort 2023

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Carter Moulton Colorado School of Mines

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Abstract

It is crucial for first-year students to undergo a successful team experience in their engineering design course. This is because the ability to effectively collaborate and work as part of a team is not a skill that is automatically acquired during high school. Given the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, some may not be as proficient in this skill as others. Therefore, it is essential for first-year engineering design educators to provide guidance and support in this area.

To address this need and create a level playing field for all students, the Team Safety Brief was developed. This tool aims to help bridge the gap in team collaboration skills among students. This initiative is a Work in Progress under the GIFTS (Great Ideas for Teaching, or Talking with Students) category. Its purpose extends beyond just applying the tool in the classroom; it also involves gathering feedback and insights from minoritized students about how their team experiences were impacted by using this tool.

The hypothesis is that a positive team experience with an emphasis on psychological safety can enhance a student's academic sense of belonging. By collecting information from minoritized students, the author aims to understand the nuances of their team experiences better. This information will then be used to create a more inclusive teaching and learning environment, ensuring that all students feel supported and valued in their engineering design course.

Citation
Format

Mattjik, M., & Moulton, C. (2024, July), GIFTS-Team Safety Brief: A tool to promote and enhance teamwork Paper presented at 15th Annual First-Year Engineering Experience Conference (FYEE), Boston, Massachusetts. 10.18260/1-2--48611