Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning involves students working together in small groups.  Students may be creating a product, working together on a task, or improving their problem solving skills.  For a more detailed definition of collaborative learning and other information on the topic, go to http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/index.html.

There are many benefits and challenges associated with implementing collaborative learning.  For a list of benefits, go to http://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/44.html. When Kindergarten students are involved with collaborative learning, one of the challenges I see is that often one of the students takes over and completes the work while the others observe.  Another challenge is that young students may fight or argue over who will perform certain tasks.  I see both of these challenges as learning opportunities.  Before students begin the collaborative learning tasks, we discuss and model what it looks like and what it does not look like to work together.  I use this opportunity to discuss manners and taking turns and students are then able to apply these social skills in a real collaborative situation. 

In Tools for Teaching, found at http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html, Barbara Gross Davis lists suggestions for successful implementation of collaborative learning groups.  While some suggestions are aimed at older students, they can be applied to younger students as well.  As our society continues to change and become more and more dependent on technology, students will need to have appropriate skills to work with others.  Therefore, I feel that it is extremely important to involve students in collaborative learning tasks at an early age and strive to do so in my classroom on a regular basis. 

Image taken from: http://www.cr.k12.ia.us/news/Stories2010-2011/20110221.html