Redesigning the way teams work smarter using comprehensive assessment of team member effectiveness (CATME)

Teamwork is the top desired professional skill by employers of 21^st century, yet it is observed that engineering and computer science graduates lack these skills. One of the reason is today's traditional teaming approach in the engineering classrooms which is based on either friendship or random grouping schemes. CATME is a research based innovative, online tool for team formation that provides a platform to support smarter teamwork. CATME facilitates the instructor to automatically group students in their most suitable teams based on more than 25 criteria/conditions like soft/hard skills, and other academic and non-academic factors that can be manipulated. This study explores the effects of forming teams using CATME on the overall learning experience, satisfaction and teamwork skills of 75 undergraduate students enrolled in electrical engineering and computer sciences at a private university. This longitudinal study spanning over two semesters entails a mixed methods, quantitative followed by qualitative approach using CATME entry surveys, team evaluation surveys and informal social media conversations. The experience of working in a team, formed by CATME, was peer evaluated to investigate its suitability for interactive learning spaces and help students develop and master team working skills.