COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Collaborative learning is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches in education that involve joint intellectual effort by students or students and teachers. Collaborative learning refers to methodologies and environments in which learners engage in a common task in which each individual depends on and is accountable to each other. It involves use of small groups so that all students can maximise their learning and that of their peers. It is a process of shared creation: two of more individuals interacting to create a shared understanding of a concept, discipline or area of practice that none had previously possessed or could have come to on their own. Collaborative learning activities can include collaborative writing, group projects, and other activities.
The idea of collaborative learning is linked to cooperative learning and concepts found in learning organisations, learning communities and communities of professional learning. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) recommends, under the Professional Teaching Standards, that teachers work collegially and in teams to enhance their professional practice. Teachers are also encouraged to collaborate with others to further their own learning.
The idea of collaborative learning is linked to cooperative learning and concepts found in learning organisations, learning communities and communities of professional learning. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) recommends, under the Professional Teaching Standards, that teachers work collegially and in teams to enhance their professional practice. Teachers are also encouraged to collaborate with others to further their own learning.