Introduction
School education is a collaborative process where students work with each other to improve learning outcomes. In this way, students will be able to learn in a better way. Moreover, they will be equipped to apply the acquired knowledge in practical situations. Hence, collaborative learning is imperative for the growth of every student. In order to give you a broader perspective on the concept of collaborative learning, this article discusses what is collaborative learning and the methods to implement collaborative learning in the classroom. Read on to learn more about it.
What is Collaborative Learning?
The collaborative learning approach involves students working together to enhance their learning. They work together to complete academic tasks, assignments, projects etc. When students learn together, it helps them to understand the learning concepts in a better way. In addition to this, they will be able to help each other and uplift each other which would result in better learning outcomes.
Purpose of Collaborative Learning
Enhance Communication Skills
Students would have to effectively communicate with each other to yield the best results. When they work together as groups, they learn to articulate their thoughts and opinions in the most intelligible way possible. In this manner, students will be able to improve their communication skills.
Establish a Good Relationship
Students tend to support one another and bring out the best in one another when they are working together to accomplish a common objective. If their peer is lagging behind, they will make an effort to assist. Also, when they work together, they will develop an affection for each other. As a result, it fosters positive relationships between students.
Build a Sense of Unity
As mentioned above, when students work together, they tend to develop a sense of unity. Students will work together to accomplish goals and succeed as a group. In this way, it ensures the overall growth of students in the classroom.
Acceptance of Criticism
When they work collaboratively, they would have to listen to a variety of views and opinions. They learn to accept constructive criticism which would have a positive impact on their endeavors. Moreover, this exposes them to different perspectives and thoughts. More importantly, they will learn to respect each other.
Ensure Active Engagement
Each student will contribute to the success of the group when they collaborate. Each group member is given a task to complete, and they all put forth great effort to complete it. As a result, it guarantees that every group member participates actively, which enhances each member's performance.
Role of Teacher in Collaborative Learning
Teachers play a key role in facilitating the process of collaborative learning in the classroom. Let us look at the role of a teacher in collaborative learning.
- Ensure that each student gets the opportunity to contribute their best.
- Curating assignments or group activities for the students that improve their creative and soft skills.
- Giving students proper feedback for them to improve.
- Guiding them towards the right path.
- Grouping the students wisely in order to improve communication and collaboration.
Implement Collaborative Learning in Classroom
Plan Relevant Tasks
Teachers can ensure that the tasks that they assign to their students are of educational value. They can plan assignments and projects that would enhance conceptual understanding. Besides, they can choose tasks that can be helpful for the students to face the challenges of the outside world.
Conduct Debates
Debates can expose students to different perspectives about a particular topic. Through debates, students will be able to learn how to analyze a situation through different lenses. This is a great way to improve the critical thinking skills of students.
Organize Workshops
Workshops are gaining popularity these days because of their impact on individuals who attend them. Students will learn to work as a team through such workshops. In addition to this, it aids in building the confidence of students.
Conclusion
Collaborative learning plays a key role in the current educational ecosystem. Educational institutions are leaving behind rote learning methodologies and are embracing more comprehensive mode methodologies like experiential learning. Strategies like experiential learning can be employed effortlessly through collaborative learning because if students work together, they grow together. Hence, collaborative learning is an effective methodology that can enhance the learning experience by ensuring students’ active participation in the process of learning. Learning can be made fun-based by using advanced learning management systems.
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