Message
Nice solution!

From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sweet, Michael S
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 7:40 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: non-zero sum "competition"

Sandy,
 
We reward bonus points to the teams which get the highest and second-highest scores in the class.  Importantly, all teams can tie for first place, in which case they would all get the bonus points.
 
This does two things:
 
1)  Rewards teams and not individuals (which, as you say, can get "cutthroat")
2)  Gives the motivational nudge of perceived "competition" WITHOUT there actually being a "necessary loser."
 
-M
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sibley, Jim
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 9:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Top Score Prize

HI Sandy
 
Most of all...I would resist this idea
 
But you could perhaps reward the "most improved".....part way thru semester have teams work out a criteria for this....and have them nominate someone in their group based on the shared criteria?
 
Would be good for the nominees in each group....would be good for the nominators to think about what is important to contribute
 
Just an idea.....
 
Jim

From: Team Learning Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sandy Cook
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 4:37 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Top Score Prize

On an new topic, one of our faculty suggested that it is the culture here to award Prizes to the top student.  Since we feel that TBL values teamwork and that prizes bring back the competition element - we really thought it was not a good idea.  As we discussed further, we flirted with the idea that we could incentives the prize concept by making it be a reflection of both team and individual work. The student's disagreed.  They thought that any prize would change the dynamics of the group work.  In fact, they came to our program because of the team and collaborative experience and did not want the cut-throat team issues.
 
Any one have ideas how you reward top students without undermining the teamwork values?
 
**************************************************
Sandy Cook, PhD
Associate Dean for Curriculum Development
Duke/NUS Graduate School of Medicine