Classroom Collaboration

In Collaborative learning learners team up in small groups to create a meaningful project e.g learners can collaborate on internet with another on a shared assignment. In this case learners are able to share their strength and uncover their weakness such that they are engaged actively in different activities that certainly can improve their understanding of the concepts or subjects. However, collaborative learning is more than just working in a group, as group work alone does not guarantee cooperative learning.

A very popular cooperative learning that is commonly used is the jigsaw, where each student is required to research one section of the material and then explain it to the other members of the group. Jigsaw II is also similar to the original jigsaw I in which case, members of the group are assigned separate pieces of the topic. But in this second version, individuals from different groups that have the same piece then become their own temporary group, in order to help each other become experts on that particular topic. Once they have become experts, they split up and go back to their original group.

The commonly used collaborative technology tools at this level include Google docs, social media, SMS etc. The collaborative approach will work in my class room in the following ways:

1.    Using the One-on-One method where learners have plenty of time to relate to each other for example a student X who is known to struggle with math is paired with student Y who does better in math. These two are expected to work together. Y will tutor X when he falters. In this case, both students bring strengths to the table and will learn from each other as they work together.

2.    Using the Small Group approach where students will be teamed up for simple task, quick learning activity such as playing a game or creating a chart. Working with smaller groups allows zooming in the instruction, and the learners are able to listen to and learn from each other more easily.

Ciao!