Teamwork
Teamwork in real life and in the workplace
- Duration
- 3 h
- Units
- 3
- Lessons
- 20
- Interactive activities
- 24
Read the transcript
SMILE · Module 6: Teamwork · introduction video (English)
Saturday morning. The youth centre is preparing a welcome day for new families. Hevi sets up the tables, Ali hangs the signs, and Nour writes the name cards. Then Ali falls behind. Hevi sees it and helps without being asked.
They talk in short, clear words. Everything is ready on time, and when the families arrive, the whole team is proud. Together we are stronger.
Teams in Europe are diverse. Ten percent of workplaces in the EU have employees who have difficulties understanding the language spoken there.
This module has three units. One: Understanding Teamwork, Together We Are Stronger. Two: Teamwork in the Reality of Young Migrants. Three: Practical Strategies and Good Practices, Time to Take the Field.
You will plan with a team, fix a misunderstanding, check your team skills, and get a certificate at the end.
Ready to work together? Let's start: Module six, Teamwork.
On screen: Source: EU-OSHA, ESENER 2024
Narration: AI-generated voice (OpenAI)
Music: AI-generated (Google Lyria)
Animation: SMILE project, Smart Leap
Your first weeks in a new team can feel like a game with rules nobody explains: who decides, which language is used for the shift plan, why the newest person always cleans. This module looks at teamwork from a young newcomer's point of view, in kitchens, warehouses, care homes, building sites, shops, training groups and volunteer teams. You learn what makes teams work, what makes them unfair, and what you can say and do, from your first briefing to a difficult conversation about tasks.
This module places teamwork at its centre as a core soft skill for the employment and social inclusion of young migrants. It introduces teamwork as a vital, learnable and transferable competence for education, internships and workplace integration. The module addresses the real-life challenges that young migrants face in group-based settings, such as cultural differences, language barriers, unequal power relations and unfamiliar workplace norms. Through practical examples, case studies, role-play activities and reflection exercises, participants develop skills in collaboration, shared responsibility, communication and inclusive cooperation in diverse teams.
Duration in the curriculum. Total duration about 3 hours: 1.5 hours of theoretical input and guided discussion, 1.5 hours of practical learning (case studies, role-play, reflection). It can be delivered as one 3-hour session or two shorter sessions.
How this module teaches
- Accessibility. Short and clear theoretical input.
- Peer learning. Group discussions and peer learning are encouraged.
- Realistic basis. Case studies and real-life examples create context.
- Experiential learning. Role-play and experiential practice.
- Self-awareness. Reflection exercises and self-assessment forms.
Assessment
Assessment is formative and reflective. The focus is not on testing but on learning progress, awareness and skill development. Tools: observation of group participation, reflection questions and group discussion, a self-diagnosis questionnaire and feedback during role-play activities.
Key references of the curriculum
- OECD. (2018). The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030. Paris: OECD Publishing.
- OECD. (2021). Skills for Social Progress: The Power of Social and Emotional Skills. Paris: OECD Publishing.
- International Labour Organization. (2020). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020. Geneva: ILO.
- International Labour Organization. (2021). Integrating Migrants into the Labour Market. Geneva: ILO.
- European Commission. (2019). Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. Brussels: European Union.
- European Commission. (2020). Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027. Brussels: European Union.
- United Nations. (2016). New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. New York: United Nations.
- UNHCR. (2013). A New Beginning: Refugee Integration in Europe. Geneva: UNHCR.
Suggested balance
- Theory and guided discussion 1 h 30 min
- Practice: cases, role-play, reflection 1 h 30 min
As set in the SMILE curriculum for this module (total 3 h).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Define teamwork and explain its importance in education/employment contexts.
- Identify the key teamwork skills and attitudes appropriate to diverse and multicultural settings.
- Recognise the common teamwork challenges faced by young migrants and describe solution strategies for them.
- Demonstrate effective teamwork skills (in practice) through group activities and role-play scenarios.
- Apply collaborative, respectful and fair behaviours when working in teams.
- Reflect on their own roles, strengths and the areas they need to develop in team-based situations (self-assessment).
Who is it for
- Young migrants and refugees (18-30) who work, train or volunteer in teams, or will soon start
- Apprentices, interns and trainees in mixed, multilingual teams
- Youth workers, trainers and mentors who support young newcomers
- Employers and team leaders who want to include new colleagues well
What you need
- Basic English (A2-B1)
- A phone, tablet or computer with internet
- No earlier training needed: your own experience of groups is enough
Module challenge: Team player challenge
Finish all required activities of the 20 lessons, including the group simulation and your teamwork self-diagnosis, and pass the knowledge check to earn the module badge.
Curriculum
Units and topics in the order of the SMILE curriculum.
Unit 1Understanding Teamwork (Together We Are Stronger)
- Definition of teamwork 9 min 1 activities Free preview
- Teamwork as a learnable skill 9 min 1 activities
- Teamwork in daily life, education and employment 10 min 1 activities
- Skills and attitudes related to effective teamwork 11 min 1 activities
- Common misconceptions about teamwork 8 min 1 activities
- Reflection activity 8 min 2 activities
Unit 2Teamwork in the Reality of Young Migrants
- Cultural differences and teamwork styles 9 min 1 activities
- Language barriers and communication challenges 9 min 1 activities
- Social norms and unwritten group expectations 9 min 1 activities
- Power relations, fairness and inclusion in teamwork 9 min 1 activities
- Emotional and psychological dimensions of teamwork 9 min 1 activities
- Case study 10 min 2 activities
Unit 3Practical Strategies and Good Practices (Time to Take the Field)
- Roles and responsibilities in teams 7 min 1 activities
- Clear and inclusive communication 7 min 1 activities
- Active and respectful participation 7 min 1 activities
- Managing cultural differences 7 min 1 activities
- Dealing with conflict and disagreement 8 min 1 activities
- Giving and receiving feedback 7 min 1 activities
- Well-being and fairness in teamwork 7 min 1 activities
- Role-play and reflection 10 min 3 activities Free preview
- Knowledge check: Teamwork 10 min Knowledge check
Presentation and materials
Questions about this module
Do I need work experience to take this module?
No. Family events, sport, school, volunteering and shared flats all count as teamwork experience. The module helps you see and name the skills you already have.
Do I have to share my personal story?
No. Reflection questions ask about any group experience you choose. Your answers are saved in your account. Other learners cannot see them. You never need to write about your migration journey.
Is this module about being nice to everyone?
No. It is about doing your part, sharing responsibility and also speaking up when something is unfair or unsafe. Fair teamwork protects you too.
What if my team treats me unfairly because of my origin or religion?
The lessons on power, fairness and inclusion (Unit 2) and on well-being and fairness (Unit 3) can help. They explain how to describe the facts, ask for a fair system and where to get support: a supervisor, a worker representative, a union or an equality body. Soft skills help, but they do not replace your rights.
How long does it take?
About three hours in total: 20 short lessons of 7 to 11 minutes and a knowledge check. You can stop and continue at any time.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
