In this research we characterize the variables associated with the effectiveness of the work teams of a sample of Chilean university students. As a methodological strategy, we used a qualitative study based on the analysis of the variables associated with the "input-process-output" performance model in contexts of the development of new products, for which we interviewed teams of students. The results of the analysis indicate that aspects such as team composition, especially shared leadership, clarity of objectives, among others, affect the effectiveness and efficiency of teamwork as well as the learning obtained both individually and in teams.