Collaborative learning, which differs from social learning, is a new training approach that is becoming more and more popular among businesses.
This type of learning means working together as a group to understand a concept or solve an issue. While frequently used in the classroom, many businesses also use collaborative learning to aid employees in learning and remembering crucial abilities and ideas.
Let’s go through some collaborative learning facts and benefits to keep in mind.
Critical thinking
During the group work process, employees have the opportunity to voice their perspectives or concepts, and the other members of their group will provide comments.
This critique, given to each participant along with comments, also includes an interpretation of the thoughts or perspectives presented. The combined thoughts and ideas presented during the session serve as the basis for the ultimate product of the process.
Better mindset
Task completion or issue resolution is frequently a requirement for groups participating in collaborative learning initiatives.
Participants in the process are provided with the opportunity to hear a range of potential solutions from individuals with different beliefs and viewpoints. People have the potential to contribute original ideas that their teammates wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
After that, the group needs to talk about each option and do an analysis so they can choose the best one.
People gain a lot from participating in group activities in which they are required to work through a challenge or complete an assignment. They can build their problem-solving skills or learn new ways to handle different types of situations at work.
This stimulates a better mindset and a stance oriented toward problem-solving.
Higher-level thinking
Higher-level thinking is encouraged through collaborative learning. According to one study of STEM classroom education, students who participated in typical passive lectures were 1.5 times more likely to fail than those who used more active learning strategies.
Students were asked to provide the cause of their subpar performance for the researchers. A common response was difficulty with the topic matter.
Those that have trouble understanding the course materials can benefit from collaborative learning. For instance, discussion boards might provide a secure environment for students to ask and respond to questions.
These conversations foster rich, collaborative learning and enhance the educational process. Additionally, these discussions may be more interesting or simpler to grasp for many people than the readings you’ve assigned.
After only one presentation, many students mistakenly believe they have a thorough knowledge of the material. They must use both higher-level and lower-level learning processes, such as invention and evaluation.
Students who participate in collaborative learning activities must apply concepts to new contexts, evaluate the comprehension of their peers, and use the content to work through issues with their peers.
Along with improving their understanding of the subject matter, kids also develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.
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Responsibility
Collaborative peer learning has been shown to increase individual accountability in a learning environment. Since people are directly impacted by their performance in collaborative settings, they are more driven to contribute.
According to research that was published in the Journal of Technology Education, students who prepared for a critical thinking test in a group setting outperformed those who studied alone.
Their mark was based on two factors:
- Individual performance
- Study group performance
Students were encouraged to complete their work well for the sake of the whole class as well as for their own advantage.
Positive interdependence, or the notion that our victories and failures are shared, is a key component of effective collaborative learning.
One study claims that when members properly comprehend positive interdependence, they recognize that each group member’s efforts are essential for the group’s success.
Confidence booster
When working together toward a similar objective, team members offer each other support and assistance along the way.
People who are more reserved, apprehensive, or introverted may highly benefit from participating in learning activities that include collaboration. A stimulating and supportive environment encourages self-assurance.
Furthermore, team members can inspire others to offer original ideas and contribute to debates. As a consequence of this, people may experience an increase in self-assurance as they become aware of the value they contribute to the group.
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Final words
New friendships can be made and old ones can be strengthened through collaborative learning. It frequently brings together people who, in a typical situation, wouldn’t have interacted or worked together.
Team members get to know each other better as they spend time working on a collaborative learning project together. This may result in higher morale and better personal and professional connections.
Although seemingly not an obvious benefit, this is only another proof that collaborative learning can be good for organizations across all industries.