Collaborative Learning

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