Collaborative Learning

What Is Collaborative Learning?

Collaborative learning works well when properly structured and all participants are actively engaged. According to Laal et al. (2012), “Collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of learners working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product” (p.1). Collaborative learning occurs when multiple students are engaged in genuine group efforts by sharing their knowledge, skills, efforts, and interests. Team members are responsible for each other’s work and their contributions. Participants in collaborative learning assume that the success of one learner contributes to everyone’s success.

Why Is Collaborative Learning Important?

CPS Manufacturing identifies five significant advantages of collaborative learning:

  • Peer learning
  • Improves critical thinking
  • Enhances problem-solving
  • Improves communication skills
  • Improves cultural awareness (CPS Manufacturing, 2020)

The purpose of these activities is to provide students with different options for learning. As students work together, listening to comments and asking or responding to questions, they learn. They realize that learning is taking place and their interest in the exchanges increases. Collaborative learning also helps students gain social skills. For example, students begin to understand that sometimes their answers will be challenged, and they will need to defend their positions. Some level of self-management or patience will also come into play to benefit from the group or become a valuable team player. Both in and out of class, these interactions contribute to improved interpersonal relationships and greater cultural awareness. Such skills might also benefit students later in higher academic pursuits or the work environment.

Examples of Collaborative Learning Techniques

Barkley, Cross, and Major (2005, p. ix-x) identified frequently used collaborative learning techniques. Some of the techniques and their examples are listed below.

  1. Discussion (e.g., Round Robin; Critical Debate)
  2. Reciprocal Teaching (e.g., Note-Taking; Role Play)
  3. Problem-solving (e.g., Case Study; Group Investigation)
  4. Writing (e.g., Peer Editing; Dialogue Journals)

Factors that Enable Collaborative Learning

Important factors to consider when planning to integrate collaborative learning techniques into Teaching include:

  • Group process structure that fosters the accountability and participation of each member of the team
  • Use of asynchronous facilities for outcomes that benefit from reflection and independent research
  • Team-skills training
  • Group assignments
  • Clear guidance and objectives (Clark and Mayer, 2008, p. 283-284).

References

Alessi, S. M. & Trollip, S. R. (2001). Multimedia for Learning:

Methods and Development. (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Barkley, E. F.; Cross, K. P.; and Major, C. H. (2005). Collaborative Learning

Techniques. Handbook for College Faculty. Wiley

Clark, R. C. & Mayer, R. E. (2008). E-Learning and the Science of

Instruction. Pfeifer.

CPS Manufacturing (2020, October 8). Advantages and Disadvantages of

Collaborative Learning. CPS Manufacturing Co. LLP. https://www.cpsmanufacturingco.com/news/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-collaborative-learning

Laal, M., Laal, M., & Khattami Kermanshahi, Z. (2012, September 12). 21st

Century Learning; Learning in Collaboration. Procedia – social and

        behavioral sciences, 47; 1696-1701.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.06.885

 

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