The main goals of a learning team are to work together cooperatively, to learn to work under pressure with deadlines for assignments and to strengthen problem-solving/decision-making skills. Using the team-created charter if conflicts arise within the team can help in solving the conflicts due to the unanimous agreement and acceptance of the charter. A team charter can help the team stay focused with specific objectives and a well-defined mission.
A team charter is comprised of several components and can be modified to fit the needs of the class or team. Goals and expectations of the team is an important element that should be developed first. Goals and expectations need to be clearly stated, with time lines for assignments and meetings. Group norms and ground rules as well as communication should also be defined.
Roles of the team members are clearly stated in a charter; these roles may change with different assignments or situations. Individual student strengths is an important factor to help choose roles and expectations for the team. To help all team members understand the need to have the same goals and expectation, the charter should address how the team will handle a conflict or disagreement if a conflict arises among team members.
Once all areas of the charter have been developed, all team members need to sign the charter. Signing will hold all members accountable for their role and responsibilities.
Creating a charter is the first item that needs to be completed at the first team meeting. Having the charter available at the meetings will help the team stay on track and serve as a reminder of the goals and expectations of the team. In time, the charter may need to be revised. When revising the charter, all team members should be in agreement on any changes.
Creating a team charter for doctoral students can present some obstacles. One obstacle exists in how the team handles differences of opinion in what the charter should contain. In addition, a team charter may take time to develop. Doctoral students' time is valuable, so it may be necessary to have a facilitator available to keep the members on task.
Online education is gaining a foothold in the educational system. Doctorate programs are offered online, and a learning team may be a part of the program. A virtual team charter might be necessary or required for a doctoral program. The components of the virtual charter are the same as a traditional team charter with additions added to meet the virtual needs. For example, time zones might need to be addressed in a virtual team charter. Time zones are important when considering when an assignment is due and communicating with other team members from different countries or areas.