1. Collaborative Learning in the Classroom: A Faculty Perspective
Kim Jameson
Composition Program Coordinator
Collaborative Learning in the Classroom: from a Faculty Perspective
Kim Jameson
Composition Program Coordinator

2. Methodology Mini-lecture with individual and group interaction
 Foster individual and team development
 Focus on team building and team working strategies
 Provide opportunity for novel questions
 Provide opportunity for student-centered learning, enabling students to construct knowledge
 Provide social interaction as base for learning

3. What Is Working Trust between students Groups teaching each other
Writing Process and Peer-Review have excelled
Works best in longer class times: 80 min. or more 
Eight Week classes seem better suited to retaining students
Exam scores higher on average for Pair Testing v Individual Testing 
Improved student satisfaction and appreciation for college experience
Participation of all students and higher involvement level of students
Lessons are more creative
Improved student connection with content
Increased mastery of concepts

4. What Has Been Challenging
Constant socializing: attention and focus are difficult to gain at times
Maintaining group and pair activities due to fluctuating student attendance/enrollment
Building cohesive sub-groups due to allowed “sick” days off
Promoting restructured Base Groups (Teams) 
Students want to dictate their exam/group partner(s)
Developing meaningful learning experience for students (class prep)
Creating a feedback loop for effective/non-effective group interaction

5. What is Not Working
Grading: keeping students aware of individual grades, group grades, and overall grade
Keeping each student more accountable and aware of individual progress
Meta-reflection and classroom techniques assessment

6. Johnson Brothers’ Collaborative Learning Training Session
Initial Training in May 2009: instrumental in providing basic tools and instruction
Classroom Application in Summer 2009-Fall 2009:
Concentration in developing basics
Discovery of complexities
Need for further training to move beyond basic level of Collaborative Learning:
Fine tune basics
Develop nuances
Strengthen techniques
Learn how to evaluate effectiveness of activities