Collaborative learning can sometimes be confused with cooperative learning. Whilst many teachers may think their students are engaged in collaborative learning, they are actually involved in cooperative learning. Collaborative learning involves students working together to solve a problem or create a product, encountering different perspectives of group members, being aware of their own and others’ strengths and weaknesses, working towards agreement or consensus in order to share responsibility for deeper understanding(Sing, Wei-Ying,Hyo-Jeong & Mun, p. 6). Cooperative learning is a more scaffolded approach where the teacher sets learning goals, assigns group roles and the task is often completed through a division of labour (p. 7).
The main issue with collaborative learning, particularly in primary school, is the development of skills to work effectively as a collaborative group. Students need to be taught how to:
- express and support their ideas
- respond and build upon the ideas of others
- argue constructively in order to reach consensus
- select appropriate resources
- think creatively
- identify appropriate modes of presentation
- assume some responsibility for the knowledge building of the group
Teachers can support students in developing these skills over time by focussing on discrete skills and providing scaffolds and guidance in supporting students in their development. Timely feedback from teacher and peers, along with guided self reflection can assist students in moving towards successful group collaborators.
Reference:
Sing, C., Wei-Ying, L., Hyo-Jeong, S. & Mun, C. (2011) Advancing Collaborative Learning with ICT: conception, cases and design. Singapore: Ministry of Education
Retrieved from http://ictconnection.moe.edu.sg/ictconnection/slot/u200/mp3/monographs/advancing%20collaborative%20learning%20with%20ict.pdf
Hi Michele.
ReplyDeleteI agree the term collaborative and cooperative are often just seen as the same thing which really does grind my gears. Especially in primary school where children should be learning how to work productively in a group. How will you actively teach students how to work with their peers in a collaborative manner? will you teach them about the roles each group member should take?