In survey after survey, when schools ask employers what skills their graduates are lacking 'working in groups' is always near the top of the list.
It has always struck me as odd that, after more than 20 years of individual student work, a three credit class in group dynamics is expected to fill that role. One on the most prevalent models for studying group dynamics is Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing. While the model is not able to perfectly represent Sugar Labs, it is still worth studying. Forming - The group comes together. Members have different expectations. Goals are not yet clearly defined. In open source terminology, participants are trying to figure out how to scratch their itch. Some people may find that contributing to Sugar Labs scratches their personal itch. Some may not. Storming - Because of the differing expectations and poorly defined goals, conflict arises. This conflict was present at the November SugarCamp. Rather than Rub salt in old wounds, I will ask you to reexamine the events leading up to, the discussions at, and the blame following SugarCamp. We must acknowledge that the storming is uncomfortable for many people. Norming - As XOCamp wraps up, we are transitioning into the norming phase. We have established some high level goals and have set some expectations for behavior within the project. The most important of these behaviors will be the notion of 'Show me the code', or 'Patches welcome.' Performing - Once we have firmly established a respect for working code, which we can then improve, rather then grand ideas, we will be well along the way towards being a productive community. thanks david _______________________________________________ IAEP -- It's An Education Project (not a laptop project!) [email protected] http://lists.sugarlabs.org/listinfo/iaep
