In Collaborative Learning, the foundational component is working in groups, with others. While the concept of Collaborative Learning is sound and proven, the practical application especially in higher education, seems to be lacking in many applications. I have had numerous conversations with university students in undergraduate programs and have yet to find one that likes, or looks forward to working in a group.
For effective Collaborative Learning to occur, as with many endeavours, it's all in the details.
On a practical level in higher education, I believe many of these considerations may not be fully addressed. As we incorporate online components the need for careful planning and execution in K-12 and higher education become more and more critical. Organizations such as iEARN.org can be great resources both in finding groups of like-focus groups world-wide and with training and resources for creating efficiency and satisfaction with collaborative learning. I would also recommend the following article, Group Work in the Classroom and the book, Cooperative learning: Increasing college faculty instructional productivity. Although written in the 90's it still has much to offer.
Resources
For effective Collaborative Learning to occur, as with many endeavours, it's all in the details.
- How is the group been selected?
- Has the task been developed with forethought and focus to be optimally suitable for a collaborative approach.
- Is it also supportive for students developing interpersonal and inter-group skills in a structured manner that includes training, and support from the instructor.
- Is there a mechanism and structure that supports students to create an equal division of labour and activity?
- Is the instructor monitoring the group dynamic and effectiveness and intervening when required to support group cohesion and effectiveness?
- Is there a debrief to support greater awareness and learning in the area of group interaction and effectiveness? (Johnson, Johnson & Smith, 1991)
On a practical level in higher education, I believe many of these considerations may not be fully addressed. As we incorporate online components the need for careful planning and execution in K-12 and higher education become more and more critical. Organizations such as iEARN.org can be great resources both in finding groups of like-focus groups world-wide and with training and resources for creating efficiency and satisfaction with collaborative learning. I would also recommend the following article, Group Work in the Classroom and the book, Cooperative learning: Increasing college faculty instructional productivity. Although written in the 90's it still has much to offer.
Resources
- Group Work in the Classroom, Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching
- iEARN.org
- Increasing Use of Collaborative Learning Approaches, NMC Horizon Report: 2015 K-12 p.12
- Johnson, D.W., Johnson, R.T., Smith, K.A. (1991). Cooperative learning: Increasing college faculty instructional productivity. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 4. Washington, D.C. The George Washington University, School of Education and Human Development