Discover The Advantages Of Collaborative Learning

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.

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.

Photo by Zainul Yasni on Unsplash

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

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

"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?