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RAMAVILASOM TRAINING COLLEGE
(Affiliated to the University of Kerala)
VALAKOM P.O., KOLLAM- 691532
ONLINE ASSIGNMENT
Semester- II
Topic: Collaborative Learning
Libin C. James
Optional: English
Reg. No :165 14 341 007
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Content
Introduction..............................................................................................................3
Concepts of Collaborative Learning ......................................................................3
Ways to Use Collaborative Learning .....................................................................4
a. Peer Learning...........................................................................................4
b. Small Group .............................................................................................4
Conclusion..............................................................................................5
Reference................................................................................................5
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Introduction
Collaborative learning is an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves
groups of students working together to solve a problem, complete task or create a product.
According to Gerlach, “collaborative learning is based on the idea that learning is a naturally social
act in which the participants talk among themselves (Gerlach, 1994). It is through the talk that
learning occurs.” There are many approaches to collaborative learning. A set of assumptions about
the learning process (Smith and Mac Gregor 1992) underlines them all:
1. Learning is an active process whereby students assimilate the information and relate this new
knowledge to a framework of prior knowledge.
2. Learning requires a challenge that opens the door for the learner to actively engage his/her peers,
and to process and synthesise information rather than simply memorize and regurgitate it.
3. Learners benefit when exposed to diverse viewpoints from people with varied background.
4. Learning flourishes in a social environment where conversation between learners tales place.
During this intellectual gymnastics, the learner created a framework and meaning to the discourse.
5. In the collaborative learning environment, the learners are challenged both socially and
emotionally as they listen to different perspectives, and are required to articulate and defend their
ideas. In so doing, the learners begin to create their own unique conceptual frameworks and not
rely solely on an expert’s or a text’s framework. Thus in a collaborative learning setting, learners
have the opportunity to converse with peers, present and defend ideas, exchange diverse beliefs,
question other conceptual frameworks and be actively engaged.
Collaborative learning process can be incorporated into a typical 45 minute class in a
variety of ways. As Smith and Mac Gregor state, “In collaborative classrooms, the
lecturing/listening/note-taking process may not disappear entirely, but it lives alongside other
process that are based in student’s discussion and active work with the course material.
Concepts of Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning builds learning activities around four main concepts.
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a. Children learn most by being active. Collaborative learning focuses on active participation, like
moving around, drawing, creating and performing.
b. All learning should be student-focused, not content focused. This means that when planning for
instruction teacher should consider. How his/her students learn and what methods she can use to
enhance that learning.
c. Children sometimes learn more easily from a peer or group of peers. Creating opportunities for
this dynamic in a classroom adds to traditional teacher –led instruction.
d. Students need to be offered chances to solve problems. Working with other students to find
solutions to problems, like a word problem in Maths or a long term collaborative group project,
gives children a chance to solve problems in tandem or with other group members. This gives them
positive skills in appropriate social interaction, like co-operation, listening to others, formulating
opinions and compromise.
Ways to Use Collaborative Learning
A teacher should know how important social interaction is for children and understands
that they can often teach each other and explain things in ways she/he can’t. A teacher should use
collaborative learning to encourage her students to interact rely on each other as resource
a. Peer Learning
There are plenty of chances for students to relate to each other, peer learning is one of them.
Peer learning is nothing but one student works with other student. These opportunities can be a
tutoring session, peer instruction, or a time when both students contribute equally.
b. Small Group
Teachers often use group work in their classrooms. Teachers allow the students get together
for a simple, quick learning activity such as playing a game or creating a chart.
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Conclusion
In education, collaborative learning is a technique teachers use to group students together
to impact learning in a positive way. Proponents of collaborative learning believe, it helps students
in many ways. They theorize that working together increases learning outcomes. Collaborative
learning can occur between just two students or within a large group, and it can take a variety of
forms.
Reference
1. Cooper. J Prescott. S, “Cooperative Learning and College Instruction: Effective use of Student
Learning Teams,” California State University, California, 1990.
2. Mac Gregor J.M, “Is This Collaboration?” California University, California, 1998.
3. Http/www.study.com/academy/lesson/what is collaborative- learning- benefit- theory-
definition- html
4. Bruffe, Kenneth, “Collaborative learning.” The John Hopkins University Press, Blatimore,
1993.
5. www.wikipedia.com/collaboratve learning.
