Theme Work on Teamwork: Mapping Student Teaming Experiences in Design Projects

This innovative practice paper presents an analysis of data collected from the implementation of a teaming curriculum, Teaming by Design (TxD), across design and innovation courses. The study examines the successes and challenges identified by both undergraduate and graduate students in their teamwork experiences. The analysis draws on written reflections from 2,621 students enrolled in 47 design and innovation courses at the University of California, Berkeley. The identified themes from student reflections were compared with those derived from a comprehensive review of the teaming literature to pinpoint overlaps and gaps. Our findings reveal opportunities for refining project-based course structures and enhancing teaming pedagogy, with the goal of better equipping students with the essential teamwork skills they will need in their professional careers.