The power of Collaborative Learning
Collaboration is one of the 4Cs used to inspire our
learners. It is one of the 21st-century skills and among the most essential
tools in teaching and learning.
According to Unesco, collaboration is a process through
which learners at various performance levels work together in small groups
toward a common goal. It is a learner-centered approach derived from social
learning theories as well as the socio-constructivist perspective on learning.
It can be to work on a separate or shared activity;
both contributing to a common goal. The main aim of cooperative learning is not
to promote competition in the classroom but to encourage constructive
arguments, findings and meaning as learners engage authentically. It is the type
of learning where learners collaboratively use their independent powers to
relate with their peers authentically. During collaborative learning, learners
find answers by working through the process. It is an active process driven by
-self-empowerment, mutual respect understanding and teamwork.
Hellen Keller once said" Alone we can do so
little; together we can do so much"
This is exactly what collaborative learning is.
Learners brainstorm, learn new ideas, and evaluate options with an outcome that
will positively improve learning.
Interested in knowing the benefits of Collaborative
learning? Here are they
1. Collaborative learning helps learners cultivate and
nurture the habit of self and mutual respect
2. Research has shown that shared learning enables learners
to construct meaning
3 Collaboration helps learners to use their strengths
and skills to relate authentically with their peers.
4. It promotes confidence in learners as they relate
authentically with their peers
5. It promotes team spirit.
5. Collaborative learning makes learning fun. Learners
not only learn but enjoy learning as well. This will make them build greater
learning interest and enthusiasm
6. Collaborative learning enhances learners'
communication skills and the ability to learn from one another.
7. With Collaborative learning, learners build authentic relationships outside the usual classroom friendship.
Thinking about using collaborative learning in
your classroom, here are some simple tips
1. Before the lesson, choose a creative learning task.
It can be a separate or shared task.
2. Ensure the resources learners will need to
effectively engage are available. Communicate with your line manage on time for
resources required.
2. Carefully plan the task you will want your learners
to engage with; whether a separate task or shared activity, just plan. Ensure
the task is such that will enable the learning goal to be achieved.
3. It is advisable to present more than one task to the
grouped/paired learners and allow them to choose. Two groups or paired learners
can choose the same task and it is fine.
3. Ensure the task will be fun, enhance learning flow
and can be achieved within the allotted learning period (do not engage your
learners with a boring task that is not achievable).
4. Pair the learners or group them and let them know
that they are not competitors but learners who work together to achieve a
common goal. Learners should know that they are accountable to each other and
should neither work against each other nor individualise the task to achieve
the goal. Let them know that it is all about 'We win not I win'.
5. Effectively communicate with your learners. Let the
learners know what they are to do .Display the rubrics and the assessment
criteria. Do not assume and keep your learners in the dark. That is not part of
the deal.
Thinking about some creative collaborative learning
activities, here are some
·
Project or research-based learning activities
are great ways to promote collaborative learning. They promote interactions
which enable learners to think critically and solve problems. These kinds of
activities enable learners to conduct some findings on the problem they are
solving and encourage active engagement as they work through the process. Both Project
and research-based activities are capable of promoting problem-solving skills.
·
Puzzles enable learners to think deeply and find
connections or missing links. Puzzles enable learners to work through the
process of arriving at the answer.
·
Presentation- enables the paired or group members
to actively contribute toward the success of their presentation. They pull
resources together to work it out
·
Class discussion is boosts collaborative
learning .Here, learners interact effectively to contribute their thoughts and
ideas in carrying out their task.
Wondering about your role as a teacher as learners
collaborate? Here is the thing
No doubt, collaborative learning reduces stress for the
teacher but that does mean you should go on sabbatical. While you enjoy the
workload relief, ensure you did not drop your role as a guide. Monitor the
groups as they work and check in with individuals. Participate in the feedback
on the group work and encourage their efforts by motivating them intrinsically.
Reward the process and the outcome. Display their work to inspire them. Above
all, maintain discipline in the classroom and ensure no one is victimized by
any form of microaggression.
Are there promoters of effective collaborative
learning? Yes, here are some factors
1.The belief system that learners
should lead learning. Once a teacher's mindset is wired like that,
collaborative learning will be possible
2.Teacher awareness- The
teacher's knowledge and application of collaborative learning is crucial. That
means that if you do not know anything about collaborative learning, you can
learn. There are lots of credible free online resources in regard. Workshops
and trainings are useful.
3- Learners' awareness - Learners' collaborative
learning skills is highly important both in the classroom and in the outside
world. The teacher should educate the learners about this skill. They should
understand that the skill is not a competition arena but one where everyone learns
from each other to achieve a common goal. Learners should know that in
collaborative learning, both the process and the outcome are crucial, They
should know that the skill is driven by mutual respect and understanding; Nobody
should sit down for others to do the work. Everybody must be involved.
4. Availability
of technology- The advent of technology proves the possibility of school
away from school. It shows that interactive learning is possible with learners
in different geographical location- Technology fosters connectedness in
learners and It nullifies the fact that
distance is a barrier. We all witnessed the efficacy of technology in the
promotion of collaborative learning during the 2020 pandemic
5- Availability of resources- like books, functional
library
6- Adequate sitting arrangement.
7. Availability of power
Inhibitors-Here are some of the factors that can
inhibit effective collaboration
1.
The belief system that teachers should lead
learning-(killer mindset)Learners are not allowed to contribute nor talk during
lesson-Knowledge absorbers
2.
Teacher ignorance, Change resistors
3.
Learners' ignorance- Seeing collaborative learning as a
competition ground
4.
Lack or poor professional development
5.
Lack of technology
6.
Poor power supply
Additional resources
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/collaborative-learning-science-behind-it/
(Collaborative learning: the science behind it, and
why it works)
(Collaborative Learning.The Benefits and Costs)
https://blog.cambridgeinternational.org/all-together-now-assessing-collaboration/
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