Integration of Team-Building Skills into Food Chemistry Team Research Projects

ABSTRACT: As professionals, food scientists are expected to communicate effectively in interpersonal and team contexts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of structured teambuilding activities on the development of interpersonal and team-work skills through team research projects in a food chemistry course. Team-building skills and the assessment of team performance were integrated into team research projects for a food chemistry course. Through these activities, teams exhibited the characteristics of effective teams. Students recognized that the development of good teamwork and communication skills are important for their future careers.