Module Development

Bruce Tuckman's Team Development Model

During my graduate studies in the Learning Design and Technology program at the University of Maryland Global Campus, I needed to develop an online module on a topic of my choice. With a keen interest in organizational behavior and team development, I chose Bruce Tuckman's Model as the topic.

About the Project
  • Task
    Design and develop an online module
  • Team
    An individual project
  • Audience
    Managers who want to build high-performing teams
  • My Role
    Instructional designer and content developer
  • Client
    University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
  • ID Approach
    Andragogy, Understanding by Design
About the Model
In 1965, American psychologist Bruce Tuckman introduced a theory that most groups, including workplace teams, go through four stages of development: "Forming," "Storming," "Norming," and "Performing." This theory became known as Tuckman's group development model. Later, with coauthor Mary Ann Jensen, Tuckman added a fifth stage called "Adjourning," completing the model. I incorporated the five-stage version into my module.
Tuckman's theory has become a popular tool in management, used across various fields, from sports and education to business and technology. Understanding this model can help managers become better team leaders, enhancing team productivity, collaboration, and innovation.
Analysis and Design
Using the Understanding by Design (Backward Design) approach, I began by identifying the desired outcomes for learners completing the module. Next, I determined the acceptable evidence to verify these outcomes. Finally, I selected the appropriate learning experiences and instructional methods to achieve these results.
Module Structure
Based on the above ideas, I developed the following module structure. For more details, see the complete module syllabus.
Development and Implementation
Using the acceptable evidence list, I developed the following assessments and learning activities:
  • 4
    Assignments
    Formative and Summative
  • 4
    Knowledge Checks
    Multiple Choice and Open-Ended Questions
  • 11
    Social Learning Activities
    Discussions and Reflections
Development and Implementation
Using the acceptable evidence list, I developed the following assessments and learning activities:
  • 4
    Assignments
    Formative and Summative
  • 4
    Knowledge Checks
    Multiple Choice and Open-Ended Questions
  • 11
    Social Learning Activities
    Discussions and Reflections

Instructional Audio

  • As a type of formative assessment, I created an audio segment featuring five workplace vignettes. In the audio file below the five vignettes are separated by the bell sound. In the learning module, I planned to present them separately, each vignette followed by a multiple choice question to assess understanding.

Video Lessons

  • Using Vyond, I produced animated videos illustrating typical team behaviors, feelings, and challenges at each stage of Tuckman's model. Additionally, I made a video specifically about types of team conflict for the Storming stage.

Text Materials and Other Resources

  • To complement the videos, I developed Miro brainstorming boards, checklists, and text lessons for the seven sections of the module.

Text Materials and Other Resources

To complement the videos, I developed Miro brainstorming boards, checklists, and text lessons for the seven sections of the module.

Сhecklists
Miro Boards
Text Lessons

Implementation

  • I set up the module in Google Classroom. Please follow the invite link to see the module there (Google account may be required).

Implementation

I set up the module in Google Classroom. Please follow the invite link to see the module there (Google account may be required).

Project Reflection
Although it was a school project, developing this module turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience. I had the opportunity to work with content formats I hadn't previously used in my instructional design work, which broadened my skills.
Appropriately for the topic of the module, I really appreciated the times when I had a team of subject-matter experts and colleagues to share the responsibilities of creating so much content for a high-quality learning experience.
Project Reflection

Although it was a school project, developing this module turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience. I had the opportunity to work with content formats I hadn't previously used in my instructional design work, which broadened my skills.


Appropriately for the topic of the module, I really appreciated the times when I had a team of subject-matter experts and colleagues to share the responsibilities of creating so much content for a high-quality learning experience.

What's Next?
I invite you to explore other projects I've worked on or contact me to discuss your e-learning idea.
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Images:You X Ventures, D'logo Nicoleti, Elena Ouliankina