Collaborative Learning

Definition

A method of teaching and learning in which students team together to explore a significant question or create a meaningful project. Collaborative learning can take place any time students work together.

Types of groups

Many types of groups can be used. Three examples (informal, formal, and base) are described below.

·        Informal groups can, have a short lifetime ranging from a few minutes to the class period are generally created quickly or ad hoc, (e.g., the instructor may say "discuss this concept" or "discuss this question with your neighbors"), have little structure or format, have new group members with each new class day, are especially useful during lectures because it can break the lecture in mini-lectures, and  may provide a quick check on student comprehension.

·        Formal groups on the other hand, last several days to several weeks, require more planning as to the size and composition of the group, have greater structure, have a specific purpose (e.g., a particular task to accomplish), and  have the same group members throughout its existence.

·        Finally, base groups serve a broader purpose. They last the entire semester (or even several semesters), meet regularly, require planning as to the size and composition of the group, personalize the task at hand by providing support, encouragement, and assistance between group members have a specific purpose (e.g., a particular task to complete), and  have a constant membership.

Each type of group has its purpose, along with its advantages and disadvantages. These issues and others will be discussed further.

Positive interdependence

Positive interdependence means that team members need each other to succeed. A childhood example is the three-legged race. Though smaller than the typical learning groups, it illustrates clearly the dependence each teammate has with the other individual.

Face-to-face promotive interactions

Face-to-face promotive interactions give individuals opportunities to help each other overcome problems. They provide the feedback between members necessary for all individuals to test ideas and build a framework for their knowledge, and they provide resource sharing. Finally, they embody respect, caring, and encouragement between individuals so all are motivated to continue to work on the task at hand.

Individual accountability and personal responsibility

"Another disadvantage [of collaborative learning] can be if one group member doesn't contribute as much as the others do. This will often leave the other members frustrated and the student who isn't contributing won't really learn anything." (chemistry student)