EDUC 6165- Week 6

Our textbook defines adjourning as a group whose project or task that has come to an end. This phase also allows the group members to reflect on their accomplishments and failures through the project (O'Hair, Weimann, Mullin, & Teven 2015). I believe the hardest groups for me to leave are the ones who have had the most difficult tasks. A few years ago, I got a promotion to be a curriculum coordinator at a different school. I had to make a tough decision to leave my preschool students and my co teacher of 2 ½ years. I must say that situation was very tearful. We had worked so hard together and achieved so many obstacles, I did not want to leave that behind.  We grew together to make our classroom a loving and nurturing environment. We balanced out each other’s lows. So far, I would say that she was the best co-teacher that I ever had. Sadly, she recently moved out of state but, we keep in contact and before she moved, we would arrange a time once a month to caught up with drinks and laughter.

I would say most of the adjourning rituals I have experienced have been get togethers to celebrate the ending of our project. Adjourning could be an essential stage of teamwork if it allows you to reflect on the accomplishments or failures within the group.  Moving forth with the insight gained from the reflection, will better prepare you for future group collaborations. At the end of my master’s program, I imagine the adjourning phase with most of my colleagues as best wishes and good. However, I do have a few colleagues who I keep in contact with and hope to meet in person at the commencement.  

Reference:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Me and My Favorite Co Teacher (now friend)