Collaborative Learning

Are accurate responses to authentic assessment more likely attained through collaborative learning? I think so. Individual students sharing thier strategies to decipher classroom information can lead to a more thorough understanding by all students. Teachers can also learn more effective ways to present and explain difficult material to thier students by simply observing the student to students interactions and how they help each other assimulate complex ideas.

Complex concepts which are present in all sciences are more easily understood through classroom discussion. Students, developing these conceptual ideas in groups, are better equipped to apply these learned concepts to real-life situations. Collaborative learning also develops high level thinking skills thus higher student achievement according to the Global Development Research Center(www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/c-learn/44.html). Effective learning through collaboration harbors a positive environment for both students and teachers. Student-to-student learning reduces anxiety in the classroom because students feel they are all in this together (no student left behind?) Teachers can also learn from thier students ways to enhance their own teaching skills.



As I mentioned in an earlier blog (2/3/09) an effective learning environment is enhanced through interactive classrooms. Collaborative discussions through classroom interaction would further help students assimilate knowledge. This collaborative forum would also allow for the expansion of ideas for both learning and teaching. Teachers would constantly be exposed to new educational techniques from other teachers and as well as students.