Does the Perception of Team Collaboration Changes with Time? Study with Computer Science Students

In this paper, we discuss the need for teamwork skills in the workplace and the training of Computer Science Bachelor students to perform in teams. Researchers claim that collaborative learning can positively influence teamwork competencies. We argue that time can change participants’ perception of the effectiveness of the team collaboration. The group development model TEAM (Team Evolution and Maturation) offers a framework for discussing the variables mediating learningteam effectiveness. An exploratory study with Preand Post-test was conducted with a sample of 49 students of Computer Science. Team collaboration was measured using the Team Collaborator Evaluator (TCE). Results indicate that the perception of team collaboration changes pending on the moment of the evaluation. The outcomes of this study could potentially be used to build more effective teams and might be extended to interdisciplinary teams.