PD4: Teamwork

PD4: Teamwork introduces the theory and research underpinning effective teamwork and small-group communication.

Why do workplace teams succeed or fail? The answer extends beyond the personalities of the team members. In PD4, you learn to evaluate the perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and social norms that affect team performance. You'll connect your personal experiences to the course concepts. 

Remote video URL

What will you do in PD4?

  • Evaluate the team dynamics of groups and brainstorm ways to improve cohesiveness. 
  • Identify skills and practices necessary to make effective decisions, improve interpersonal relationships and negotiate conflict in team settings. 
  • Learn how to effectively participate in teams or group settings. 

Grading information

To pass PD4, you must satisfy both requirements below: 

  • earn an overall grade of at least 50% on Assignments 1 - 3 (plus any bonus opportunities) 

  • receive a minimum of 50% on the Major Reflective Report

If you have a question about grading in PD4, contact the course team.

Course instructor

Robert Danisch

Robert Danisch 

Dr. Danisch is an associate professor in the department of Drama and Speech Communication at the University of Waterloo. His research interests concern rhetorical theory and public communication within democratic societies. In general, he is interested in understanding the role of communication practices in forming ethical citizens capable of effectively participating in contemporary democracies.  

He joined the University of Waterloo in fall 2011 after spending seven years at Concordia University in Montreal.

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Student testimonials

This course has opened my eyes to new techniques and signs to look for in my team members and myself to become better in these group environments. I always find that PD courses deliver quality content and do a great job at understanding students' needs in order for them to succeed.

A strength of this course was that it related the content to real life situations, so I was able to see how the theory could be applied in real life.

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Questions about PD courses?