Collaborative Learning- Why It Should be Encouraged

Collaborative learning occurs when students working in groups provide solutions to problems and perform duties together (Cornell University). Collaborative learning develops team-player ability in students, it is a way of creating a Community of Inquiry (CoI) which according to the Athabasca University is a group of people who work together to engage in critical and thought-provoking conversations in other to solve a problem.

There are many benefits to collaborative learning, Cornell University has outlined that it leads to deeper learning and increases student retention and self-esteem. Collaborative learning goes a long way to help students develop better communication skills, ability to defend their views and generally improves the student-teacher relationship, also according to the University of the People, engaging in collaborative learning improves students understanding of others’ culture and personality through the thoughts and ideas being shared. Furthermore, collaborative learning challenges students to “push their work further than they may have been able to do alone” (University of the People).

Most tertiary educational bodies are built around this collaborative learning strategy. For example, the University of the People incorporates collaborative learning through online class forums where students can engage with other peers and share thoughts, and compromise on ideas. Students are also able to develop relevant relationships with their instructors or/and professors and are also able to share insights, raise complaints, and ask questions, and as well as address concerns of other students in this online forum.

On a more personal experience, I must say collaborative learning has been very useful throughout my academic life. Working with peers on different projects has given me the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives. Because ideas are shared by multiple people who have different views about the particular issue to be addressed, a much useful approach is always developed towards addressing the issue. Collaborative learning has created a society where students teach each other and discuss confusing problems through clarifying misconceptions and developing a common approach to solving problems.