Implications of Judging and Perceiving Type Groupings on Classroom Team Effectiveness

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Collaborative learning is an integral learning skill developed in a K-12 classroom. A properly structured grouping is deemed to optimize student learning, retention, and success. Recent studies suggest the influence of personality types of team members on team performance in the workplace. This paper investigated the most effective team composition for classroom groupings based on student's preference in the Judging vs. Perceiving component of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental research studied how the assortment of personality types (IV) affects team effectiveness (DV). Purposively selected 30 grade 10 students took a shortened version of the MBTI questionnaire. Based on the results, 5 groups of 6 members with varying Judging or Perceiving preferences were formed and given a task. Triangulation of multiple observers and 3 measuring tools (teacher-made and standardized) were used to gauge each team's effectiveness.

RESULTS

Using the Team Performance Observation Tool in monitoring the groups' meeting, the researchers found out that the group with an equal number of judging and perceiving-type members scored the highest, while the homogeneously perceiving-type group generally scored poorly. The homogeneously judging type group scored the highest in leadership. Meanwhile, in the Team Assessment, which measured the members' perception of their own team's performance, the group with anequal number of judging and perceiving-type members again scored the highest average while the perceiving-type group scored the lowest. In the teacher-made rubric, the same highest-scoring heterogeneous group obtained the most original output and the highest performance grade. The group with mostly judging-type members, however, seemed the most prepared with their content whereas mostly perceiving type groups preferred to improve their group strategy.

DISCUSSIONS

Results show that groupings according to judging or perceiving preference among team members influence performance. Scores from the 3 measuring tools have consistently shown that balance of judging and perceiving types within a group resulted in the most effective team. The findings were parallel to Bradley and Hebert's 2013 study which highlights the heterogeneity of personality types among members as a factor to team effectiveness in the workplace. Future research may include the consideration of the participants' Emotional Quotient and the inclusion of other MBTI components as factors of personality.