How can educators promote supportive, productive learning?
Collaboration.
Collaborative environments make learners feel safe to express their perspective. In these spaces, learners can see the value of different approaches.
The takeaway?
Others may know or see something I don't, and together, we can do more.
Why Value Collaborative Learning?
Collaborative learning helps participants:
reach higher learning goals
build teamwork and communication skills
become more self aware
Collaborative learning is appropriate in classrooms, corporate training, and community activities.
4 " I "s In Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is most effective when participants are working towards a common goal. But teamwork isn't always easy.
Maintain a positive environment in collaborative learning through:
Interdependence: we can count on each other
Interaction: we talk about our work, nobody is "doing their own thing"
Individual accountability: we each take ownership of our contribution
Interpersonal skills: we remember we're all people and treat each other with respect
Quiz
Margo meets her group for a meeting and tells them she has already done the whole project. Which of the 4 I's does she need to work on?
Virtuous Cycles Of Collaboration
When a collaborative environment is established, learners and leaders can benefit from a virtuous cycle. This is when positive behaviour leads to more positive behaviour.
Over time, learners in collaborative environments may:
become more confident
improve their ability to resolve conflicts
build leadership skills
learn to ask for support from team members when needed
Take Action
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."
- Henry Ford
Are you in a work or educational environment that could benefit from more collaboration?
Talk to your leader or your learners. How can you adjust your approach to be more collaborative?
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.