EnTeam means learning to win together– in other words, learning to reach goals on a win-win basis.

I am often asked how we came up with the name “EnTeam.” EnTeam is all about carefully examining definitions to words we use regularly but sometimes neglect to think about deeply. For example, people use the words “learning” and “play” on a daily basis–especially if they are in a school. EnTeam asks teachers to examine the definitions of those words, and make sure that when they ask their students to “learn” or “play” they do so in a way that most enriches the students’ learning and lives. Coaches will often use the word “win.” But what are they really asking their players to do? Is it to defeat other people? Or work in collaboration to achieve a goal.

EnTeam encourages teachers, parents, coaches and kids to examine the definitions in our lives in positive ways. When we restructure the game of volleyball, for example, players see firsthand how a slight change in rules can redefine the way they play the game and they way they view players on both teams. Instead of working hard to crush the other team, each player in an EnTeam game must work hard to support their teammates–on both sides of the net. The score shows how well the teams work together: if they can improve their collaboration, it is possible to win together. Otherwise, everyone fails together.

The same process applies to academic games in reading, math, and other subjects. Students learn strategies for studying together. They keep score their ability to solve problems and accomplish goals in the classroom. They have fun playing with ideas.

At EnTeam, we redefine scores to show players just how cooperative they are. We do this with two types of scoreboards: “Group-Best Scoring” and “All-for-One Scoring”. The first, group best scoring has groups play at least two games. If the combined scores of the teams improve in the second game, then the teams win together. If they cannot improve, they lose together. In All-for-One Scoring, the group divides into three or four teams. After the first game, the players rotate partners. After the third game, players total their scores on the EnTeam score sheet to see if their collaboration improved with each round. They can also see which team contributed the most to the group’s combined score. In both cases we are measuring cooperation—in a fun, competitive setting. We bring the power of competition to measure cooperation between teams. Players learn how to bring out the best in each other.

To start playing an EnTeam game or download a free score sheet, check out our EnTeam store.

Learning – gaining understanding and skill through instruction, study, play, or other experiences

Play – any activity that gives players freedom, power, fun, and opportunities for taking risks

Win – achieve a goal; defeat an opponent

Win together – two or more players working in collaboration to achieve a goal that requires defeating impersonal opponents such as time, fear, ignorance, distance, anger, animosity, etc.

Keeping score of goal attainment – EnTeam games keep score of collaborative performance: Both sides win or both sides lose depending on their ability to improve their score together. EnTeam game keep score of multiple events. Players lose unless the score for both teams continues to improve in a series of successive games. Players win if they improve their combined score.

Score keeping – EnTeam games use two types of scoreboards:

1.     Group best Scoring – a match consisting of at least two games; scores achieved by two or more teams working together are combined and then compared consecutively. If the combined score increases in consecutive games, the teams win together. If the scores decline, the teams lose together.

2.     All-for-One Scoring – a match consisting of three games involving three or four teams working together in pairs; scores from each cooperative game are recorded on an EnTeam score sheet to determine whether the teams won or lost together. If the scores do not increase, the teams lose together. EnTeam score sheets also show which team contributed the most to their combined score.

In the language of game theory, a game is any event in which the decisions made by one participant impact the other participants. Game theory is not limited to sports or children’s play; game theory applies to business transactions and social relationships including marriage, buy-sell agreements, and other negotiations.

Game theory classifies EnTeam games as non-zero-sum games in contrast to zero-sum games.  For example, poker is a zero-sum game because the winnings of one player equal the losses suffered by other players.  A zero-sum game is analogous to dividing a pie: If one person’s slice gets bigger, someone else’s slice must get smaller. A non-zero-sum game is analogous to increasing the size of the pie so everyone’s slice can be bigger.

EnTeam games include physical sports, table games, and academic games. See examples online at www.enteam.org

by Ted Wohlfarth