An Investigation of Group Dynamics and Group Processes in Interdisciplinary Teams on an Ill-Structured Problem-Solving Project

• In Event: Problem-Based Education SIG Full Paper Session: Argumentation, Motivation, and Problem-Solving Dynamics in Problem-Based Education

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the group dynamics and group processes in a real-world interdisciplinary design project. Students from three disciplines (i.e., Architecture, Interior Design, and Instructional Design and Technology) participated in the project. Issues affecting group dynamics (e.g., lack of shared understanding, lack of structural support, and passivity) emerged during collaborative problem solving in interdisciplinary teams. Those dynamics further influenced group processes in different problem-solving stages. The findings shed light on how to create an effective PBL environment and facilitate group processes during interdisciplinary collaboration on real-world projects.

Authors

• Xun Ge, University of Oklahoma

• Qian Wang, The University of Oklahoma