I've recently learned more about collaborative learning through assignments in my Technology course. Below are summaries of each of the articles. I highly recommend reading these articles, as I feel I have a better idea of the benefits of collaborative learning and a motivation to provide these types of learning opportunities for my students in the upcoming year.
Summary of Collaborative
Learning Enhances Critical Thinking
This article was a review
of research conducted to examine which mode of instruction was more beneficial
in enhancing drill-and-practice skills and critical-thinking skills in a
college level course focused on technology.
The two modes of instruction researched were collaborative learning and
individual learning.
After listening to a
common lecture, the class of 48 students were divided into two groups of 24 students
each. Both groups were given a worksheet
to complete which contained drill-and-practice items as well as critical
thinking items. One group complete the
worksheet independently, at their own pace (individual learning) while the
other group worked collaboratively by discussing solutions to the problems and
allowing for each student to participate.
A post-test was given to all students after completion of the worksheet.
The research found that
collaborative learning was more beneficial when answering critical-thinking
questions, but both methods of learning promoted gains in drill-and-practice
skills. The researcher states that future
research is necessary to investigate the effect of different variables in the
collaborative learning process such as gender and ethnicity.
Reflection: There are
many ways to use collaborative learning in the classroom. In order for it to be effective, the teacher
needs to creatively engage students in solving real-world problems. Through discussion and sharing of ideas,
students are able to enhance their own critical thinking.
Gokhale, A. (1995). Collaborative
Learning Enhances Critical Thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 7(1).
Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v7n1/gokhale.jte-v7n1.html
Summary of Creating
and Environment for Collaborative Learning
This
article discusses how the Center for Association Leadership launched its own
learning community in order to collaboratively create new knowledge and
learning experiences. Learning
communities were comprised of American Society of Association Executives
members along with a coordinator, who served the role of designing and leading
discussions and engaging participants. Members
attended virtual meetings, participated in online discussions, shared
documents, and developed time-limited projects.
Most interaction was done online or by telephone as the members spanned
nationwide. The author states that there were few association models to learn
from, but they continue to practice collaborative learning.
Blouin, A. (2005, May 1). Creating
an Environment for Collaborative Learning. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from
http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/articledetail.cfm?ItemNumber=18285
Summary of How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success
This
article discusses how a college-prep school in California utilizes
collaborative learning and the benefits associated. Through a variety of real-world applications,
students are encouraged to share ideas, listen effectively, and think
critically to solve problems. Students who have graduated from College Prep expressed
how collaborative learning helped them be successful in college, as they were
able to draw on their own strengths, but reach out for help when
necessary. The article states that
collaborative learning is usually simple, but in order for it to be effective,
there needs to be a culture that values community and a belief that everyone
can learn from each other.
Davis, M. (2012, December 5). How
Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-collaborative-learning-college-prep
