Collaborative/Collaborative Learning Heather Macdonald (modified from presentation by Richard Yuretich)

Traditional Teaching Cartoons courtesy of Karl Smith

Collaborative Learning Cartoons courtesy of Karl Smith

Cooperative/Collaborative Learning “Students work together to maximize their own and each others’ learning” (Johnson et al., 1990) Structured environment in which students learn in cooperative groups Question or activity should benefit from group approach

Gallery Walk Divide into groups Each group assembles around one flip chart. Designate a “recorder” to write, and a “reporter” to summarize at the end of the session. Discuss the question on the flip chart and post a response. On the signal move clockwise to the next flip chart. Discuss and respond as above. Continue until you return to the original question. The “reporter” will summarize.

Benefits of Well-designed Collaborative Learning Activities Active engagement of students and improved learning Peer-teaching Practice in speaking the language of the discipline Practice in the skills of teamwork: –Students are responsible for contributing to the team’s success. –Students are individually accountable for their own performance.

Examples of Collaborative Learning Activities Informal Learning Groups –Think-pair-share –Discussion groups –Gallery walk Formal Learning Groups –Jigsaw groups –Simulations and role-playing exercises –Debates –Research groups

The Jigsaw Structure Teams of students investigate different aspects of the same problem/issue (each member of a team works on the same thing). Members of each team then disperse among mixed groups and teach other group members what they have learned. The group puts the pieces together and addresses a question that can be answered once all the team pieces are together)

The Jigsaw Structure TeamsGroups

Some Examples

Critical Aspects for Success Team assignments carefully crafted –Overlapping assignments –Each valuable in its own right –Lend themselves to comparison –Appropriate level Students come prepared Build in individual accountability

Questions? Ideas for Activities?