Unit 2 Collaboration

Objectives:
After completing this unit, students will be able to list five key aspects that build effectiveness in collaborative learning.

Topic Overview:
The most important element that contributes to the effectiveness of collaborative learning is the ability for the students to work together, without egos or bad feelings interfering. Thus, it is very important to prepare students for collaborative learning by first discussing how to effectively work within a group. Do not assume that the students already understand it. It is likely that many of your students have never worked in groups before, especially worked in unsupervised groups.

The groups may be unsupervised, but they are not ignored. Another important element that contributes to the effectiveness of collaborative learning is the role of the instructor. The instructor shifts from a deliverer of information to the role of a moderator or facilitator. That means the instructor does not "look over the shoulders" of the students, watching and critiquing everything they do. It DOES mean that the instructor frequently checks into how the groups are progressing, if they have any issues, and periodically reviews their work. Students in collaborative learning efforts will learn more when they receive frequent feedback. That feedback would take the form of both compliments on what they are doing well and suggestions for how to do better.

Creating Teamwork: Unit 2 Collaboration Lesson 1
Roles and Conflict Resolution: Unit 2 Collaboration Lesson 2

Support material:
The following is an excellent web page that describes how to build effective communities within a course. These communities are then properly prepared to use collaborative learning: Building an Online Community

Discussion:
Use the Discussion tab to discuss how you would divide your class into work teams. How would you determine who would be in which group? Would you assign roles? If so, what roles would you suggest?
Feel free to gain inspiration from Discussion posts from others.